Carpideira na Casa Alagada [Professional Mourner at Casa Alagada], performance, 2019

After the 2018 elections in Brazil, the residents of Pivô Research Residency gathered to collaborate for a group show. The result was a one-day exhibition titled “Inauguração Oficial da Represa do Pacaembu” [Official Inauguration of the Dam of Pacaembu]. The show took place at Casa Alagada, an artists’ group studio at a decaying mansion in Pacaembu, which was once a very high-class neighborhood. “Carpideira na Casa Alagada” [Professional Mourner at Casa Alagada] consisted of a performance by Itha Rocha, one of the few remaining professional mourners in Brazil. Dressed in luxury brands, she remained seated in the same place, crying for the whole duration of the event. No special lights or announcements were provided to warn the viewers that this was a performance.