Manto da apresentação: O corpo ritualístico, narrativo e alegórico de Arthur Bispo do Rosário

Abstract

The propose of this research is to analyze the Manto da Apresentação (Presentation Cloak) work created by the artist Arthur Bispo do Rosario. Diagnosed as schizophrenic-paranoid, the artist experienced a period of almost 50 years inside a mental institution called Juliano Moreira located in Rio de Janeiro. During this period he produced a collection of over 800 works. Considered the most significant part of his work, the Cloak exhibits a summary of Bispo’s existence and is represented by a stately robe. Constructed by the artist over nearly 30 years, the work is adorned with symbolic elements and exquisite embroidery, with autobiographical elements that make the Cloak an extension of the body of Arthur Bispo do Rosário. His enormous devotion to the sacred was the primary reason for the appearance of this work, giving him an enigmatic character and multiple meanings, readings and interpretations. Thus, we propose in this study to understand it as a "body" extension and allegorical of the artist's life. Therefore, it was necessary to study the body/subject by using the bodymedia’s theory - procedural, transitory and unfinished body - as well as the Cloak/Body. The analysis of the work was guided by discussion of some concepts that explain how the narrative constructed in the Cloak is made, such as the allegory, the maze, the palimpsest, precariousness and fragmentation. In addition, various themes were analyzed such as death, ritual and the sacred. These themes are represented both in the artist's daily life, as well as in his artistic process. In order to enrich our discussion and interpretation of the meaning of this polysemous piece, we will explore the history of clothing and the function and way of dressing, which establishes an intimate and communal relationship between the body / subject and clothing. A similar phenomenon is happening between Bispo and the Cloak. The research has a qualitative approach, applied nature, with exploratory objectives. The procedures adopted were: bibliographical and documentary research and field research, including open interviews with the staff of the Bispo do Rosário Museum in Rio de Janeiro.