Bicho do Mato

         Bicho do Mato is an expression used in Brazil to describe those who are outcast, socially inept or simply unfamiliar with the ways of the world. It translates roughly to "Creature from the Jungle". This expression was used by some of my family members to describe me throughout my childhood, and I found it to be fitting to organize my most personal work about inadequacies, uncertainties and insecurities under the name they chose to describe it. Not only did it make an undeniable impact in the way I view myself - I also find the exposed self-hatred in the expression interesting to explore. Here you will find self-portraits and other paintings that embrace questions related to the struggles of existing in community, family or otherwise.