Leona as Venus
Leona Vingativa is a trans influencer from northern Brazil, as well-known as the night in Paris and as powerful as a samurai’s sword. Through her image as a black trans woman from the Amazon, we developed an archetype of Venus, recreating Botticelli’s painting with a reinterpretation that integrates amazonian imagery and elements of the forest.
The work “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli is an icon of Renaissance art, representing the goddess of love and beauty emerging from the sea. By adapting this image to reflect Leona Vingativa, we sought not only to capture her beauty and power but also to celebrate her roots and Amazonian biodiversity, with the presence of herons, water lilies, igarapé (lakes), and her enigmatic sanctity. By placing a black trans woman from the Amazon as the central figure, we aim to challenge traditional beauty standards and eurocentric art, and celebrate diversity.
Client
Personal Project
Role
Art Direction
Year
2019
Press
Team
Creative Direction:
Jonas Amador, Rafaela de Prada
Photo:
Jonas Amador
Image Manipulation:
Rafaela de Prada