Geraldo Dos Santos

figuratief - conceptueel - installatie - schilderen - keramiek

Geraldo Dos Santos is an artist who explores the complexities of memory, emotions, culture, and identity in his work. His background of growing up in different countries and studying in various institutions has influenced his artistic style and perspective. He is interested in exploring the subconscious triggers of melancholic emotions, and the ways in which our experiences shape our understanding of the world around us. He uses a narrative approach to storytelling and a wide range of mediums to create a multidimensional experience for the viewer, inviting them to reflect on their own past and experiences. His artworks depict the emulsion of things that surround us, and the subject matter is personal and shared trajectories of strange relationships. He aims to understand the consciousness of the anecdotes around him, and the role that tradition plays in shaping our understanding of memory-heritage.


Make-believe me (2024) - South American Esotericism encompasses a rich make believe of spiritual beliefs deeply rooted in indigenous traditions, syncretism, and mystical practices. One prominent aspect of these belief systems is the profound reverence for the power of candles. Across various cultures in South America, candles hold symbolic significance and are integral to spiritual rituals and ceremonies. In many indigenous traditions, candles are seen as conduits of energy, representing the connection between the material and spiritual realms. The flickering flame is often associated with the presence of spirits, and the act of lighting a candle is a gesture of invoking their guidance and protection. The belief in the spiritual significance of candles has been seamlessly integrated into syncretic religions that emerged from the blending of indigenous beliefs and colonial influences. One such example is the fusion of indigenous practices with Catholicism, creating unique religious expressions like Santería, Candomblé, and Espiritismo. In these syncretic religions, candles play a central role in rituals aimed at communicating with deities, spirits, or ancestors. The colors of the candles hold specific meanings, with each hue representing different intentions or energies. Red candles, for instance, are often used to invoke the power of love, passion, and vitality. White candles symbolize purity and spiritual illumination, while green candles may be employed for matters related to health and prosperity. The act of arranging candles in specific patterns or configurations during ceremonies is believed to amplify the ritual's efficacy. Moreover, South American Esotericism places a strong emphasis on the intention behind the lighting of candles. Practitioners believe that infusing each flame with a specific purpose or desire empowers the ritual. The process becomes a form of meditation, fostering a deep connection between the individual and the spiritual realm. In Andean traditions, particularly among the Quechua and Aymara people, the use of candles is intertwined with rituals dedicated to Pachamama, the Earth Goddess. Offerings of candles, along with other items like coca leaves and grains, are made to express gratitude and seek blessings for a harmonious relationship with the land and nature. In the Amazon rainforest, shamanic practices incorporate candles into ayahuasca ceremonies. The flickering light is believed to guide the shaman and participants through the spirit world, enhancing the visionary experiences induced by the sacred plant medicine. While the specific beliefs and practices surrounding candles may vary among South American cultures, a common thread unites them: the acknowledgment of candles as potent tools for spiritual connection, manifestation, and healing. The glowing flame serves as a beacon, illuminating the path between the tangible and the metaphysical, creating a sacred space where intentions are amplified and the mystical energies of the cosmos are invoked. In this realm of South American Esotericism, candles transcend their physical form to become vessels of transcendental wisdom and divine communion.
Persuasion by tears, N1 – 12 x 8 x 5cm   - The dripping of drops from a lit candle carries a meaning beyond the melting of wax by fire. In esotericism, this behavior is known as "tearing" and signifies an energetic charge received during the ritual or request. When we perform a prayer, ritual, or spell, the request is often accompanied by a candle. If you wish to predict how effective or powerful your desire was, reading the language of candles can be highly beneficial. Lit candles convey various hidden messages that can be interpreted based on how they melt, the behavior of the flame, and the residue they leave when finished. The meaning of candle tears depends on many variables, such as the side from which the drops drip, the speed, and the hue, as explained by specialized sites like
La Santeria de Mama II (2024) - Art Rotterdam 2024 ‘’La Santeria de Mama’’ Ceramic sculptures with a glazed finish, in various sizes, intricately interwoven with a metal frame 2023-2024 Courtesy Josilda da Conceição Gallery (Main Section, booth 36) Geraldo Dos Santos, known for his affinity for narrative complexities, introduces “La Santeria de Mama” as a profound endeavor in cultural decolonization. By centering on the symbolic significance of candles, meticulously deconstructs hierarchical systems associated with the persuasion of these ritual objects. This prompts thought-provoking inquiries about the multi- emigrated identity. ”La Santeria de Mama” manifests as an installation of stories, with each candle representing a chapter in the ongoing narrative of cultural resilience. Specifically chosen for their tenacious spirit, the candles transform into a powerful metaphor symbolizing the enduring strength of cultural identities from Latin America. This hegemonic phenomenon transcends conventional art boundaries, acting as a catalyst for a parafiction. The vibrant colors of the sculptures disrupt monochromatic narratives, creating space for nuanced perspectives. Uncomfortable truths embedded in migration narratives are exposed as preconceived notions are dismantled, prompting a collective reexamination of societal structures that perpetuate hierarchies based on origin and heritage.
Manifestation Black-out! (2023) - Geraldo Dos Santos' artwork deals with the use of candles as a "ritual artifact" in different cultural practices, and the symbolic meaning of candle lighting in contemporary society. He explores the use of candles in four different contemporary frameworks: reflecting, extension, popular mourning and memorials. Through this, he highlights the importance of aestheticization processes, as well as the centrality of this expression to evoke symbolic heritage. The use of candles in cultural practices, according to the artist, reveals the ubiquity and repetition with which they are lit as a metaphor. He suggests that the lighting of candles in different cultural practices is a way to express devotion, sensual romances, and esoteric rites. He notes that the use of candles in these contexts is functional, but also creative and holds a deeper meaning. The artist's work highlights how the use of candles in different cultural practices can evoke human emotions and how these emotions regulate cultural systems in social life. He suggests that the lighting of candles can be used to create a sense of solemnity, reverence, and memory, and to create a sense of connection to the past, present, and future.
La Santeria de Mama (2023-2024) - Geraldo Dos Santos, penchant for narrative intricacies, presents "La Santeria de Mama" as a profound act of cultural decolonization. Focusing on the symbolic essence of Amaryllis flowers, by meticulously dismantles hierarchical systems associated with these blooms, raising provocative questions about the multi-emigrated identity. "La Santeria de Mama" is a installacion of stories, each petal a chapter in the evolving saga of cultural resilience. The Amaryllis, chosen for its tenacious spirit, becomes a potent metaphor for the enduring strength of cultural identities from latina america in the face of colonization. Dos Santos intentionally departs from conventional narratives, aiming to disrupt and dismantle oppressive systems entrenched in the fabric of multicultural identities. The central motif, the Amaryllis, is a carefully chosen symbol. Its vibrant hues represent the diverse cultural elements interwoven within a multi-emigrated identity. He challenges the traditional hierarchy assigned to flowers, particularly the exoticization of certain blooms, and reclaims agency over the narrative. "La Santeria de Mama" serves as an anthem of defiance against systems that dictate cultural prominence. Dos Santos skillfully navigates the labyrinth of identity, unraveling threads of cultural hegemony that historically marginalized the experiences of the multi-emigrated. Through meticulous craftsmanship, the installation transforms into a sanctuary where narratives of displacement, resilience, and cultural hybridity converge. Each petal bears witness to the complex journey of migration, inviting viewers into a visual dialogue with the unspoken stories embedded within. The heretical system interrogated by the atworks extends beyond the confines of art; it permeates the broader socio-cultural landscape. He challenges the notion that identity can be neatly categorized and prescribed, urging a reevaluation of inherent hierarchies within cultural narratives. "La Santeria de Mama" mirrors the complexities of multicultural identities, fostering introspection on societal structures that perpetuate hierarchies and exclusions.
Coping mechanisme 7 - Geraldo Dos Santos' artwork deals with the use of candles as a "ritual artifact" in different cultural practices, and the symbolic meaning of candle lighting in contemporary society. He explores the use of candles in four different contemporary frameworks: reflecting, extension, popular mourning and memorials. Through this, he highlights the importance of aestheticization processes, as well as the centrality of this expression to evoke symbolic heritage. The use of candles in cultural practices, according to the artist, reveals the ubiquity and repetition with which they are lit as a metaphor. He suggests that the lighting of candles in different cultural practices is a way to express devotion, sensual romances, and esoteric rites. He notes that the use of candles in these contexts is functional, but also creative and holds a deeper meaning. The artist's work highlights how the use of candles in different cultural practices can evoke human emotions and how these emotions regulate cultural systems in social life. He suggests that the lighting of candles can be used to create a sense of solemnity, reverence, and memory, and to create a sense of connection to the past, present, and future. Keywords: memory-heritage, connection, extension, confrontation , desire and semiosis.
Blossom N1, – 12 x 12 x 12cm glazed ceramic - Blossoming of memory-heritage, connection, extension, confrontation, desire, and semiosis are all important concepts that have a significant impact on the way we understand and interact with the world around us. Memory refers to the ability of an individual or group to recall past events, experiences, and information. Heritage refers to the cultural, historical, and societal influences that shape the identity of an individual or group. Connection refers to the relationships and interactions between individuals or groups, and can be strengthened or weakened through various forms of communication. Extension refers to the ways in which an individual or group expands their knowledge, skills, and abilities through learning and experience. Confrontation refers to the act of facing and addressing difficult or conflicting situations, and can be a valuable tool for growth and change. Desire refers to the motivation that drives individuals or groups to act and achieve their goals. Semiosis refers to the process of meaning-making, through which individuals or groups assign meaning to symbols, signs, and other forms of communication. Together, these concepts form a complex web of interactions that shape the way we experience and understand the world. They influence our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, and can have a profound impact on our individual and collective wellbeing.
Candle N1 - Glazed ceramic 50 x 20 x 22cm
Lurking gaze - - Oil on linnen canvas and glazed ceramic frame. Size 35 x 45 x 5cm
Twinkle - Oil on linnen canvas and glazed ceramic frame. Size 35 x 45 x 5cm