Christ the Redeemer

Title: Christ the Redeemer
Artist: TiTo na Rua
Medium: Mural
Size: 176 x 264 cm
Date: 2008
Location: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue is at the peak of the 700 meter Corcovado Mountain, and stands 38 meters tall with its pedestal. The statue has become a very important symbol of Brazilian Christianity. Designed by local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa the statue was sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski and made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. Construction took nine years, from 1922 to 1931, the monument opening on October 12, 1931.

Such a part of the landscape of Rio, this iconic statue was the inspiration for this muralist’s homage. In the mural, much as it is in the real city, the serene gaze of the Redeemer is cast across brightly colored distractions of the modern world. Like Brazilian culture, vibrant yet faithful, hedonistic yet spiritual, the mural reflects the two realities the Cariocas. The famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro is another dramatic example of the delirious blend of religious observance and earthly delights.

A native Nuyorican relocated in Rio de Janeiro, TiTo na Rua (also known as Alberto Serrano) works with innovative means to convey his ideas. Comic books, graffiti, paintings, illustrations, animation... he is willing to explore all available media. Tito has worked for clients like Universal Music, JW Thompsom, Fnac, and Saraiva. Still active, he can be reached via www.titonarua.com/