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'St Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro' (2007)

Denise Araripe salutes St. Stephen, patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, with a fabulous collage of images. In Brazil, in the tradition of Afro-Brazilian religious syncretism, Sebastian is associated with Ogum, the orixá that presides over fire, war, politics, hunting and war. Working with 18k gold leaf, oils and acrylics, Araripe replicates the traditional depiction of St Sebastian, which is said to date back to the 1400's. She also names those artists who have portrayed the saint in their work, including Yukio Mishima, Jean Cocteau, and Federico Garcia Lorca, amongst others. The composition is filled with a collection of items, some of which exemplify that which is asked for in prayer, an original by Araripe:

"Soldier in command of the Pretorian forces, Christian martyr riddled with arrows ordered by a Diocletian emperor, patron saint of Rio de Janeiro whose canonical name is St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro. Protector of all kinds of plagues whose saint's day (January 20). According to Agustin, he obtained sainthood through five coins: 1) poverty -- kingdom, 2) sorrow — happiness, 3) work – rest, 4) ignominy – glory, 5) death – life. Glorious martyr St Sebastian, brave protector and defender of Rio de Janeiro, you who shod blood and gave your life as testimony of faith in our lord Jesus Christ, give us your grace to continue triumphant in kindness holding (represented by pins) Maraca soccer stadium, Sugar Loaf Hill and Ipanema beach), in power (symbolized by a brooch of Jesus) and pleasure (the artist includes a wrapper of renowned pastry maker), so that we may live in faith as a community blessed by God."