THE PROVIDERS’ ROOM

The Providers’ Room, 2018, oil and acrylic on canvas, 194x290cm

Information about the history of Brazil is condensed in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Some institutions endure since the colonial period and preserve information capable of illustrating many events of that history.
The hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro is one of the oldest institutions in Brazil, its foundation dating back to the 16th century. It was established to help needy people and its “Commitments” included: "to ransom the captive and visit the imprisoned; visit the sick; clothe the naked; feed the hungry; give water to the thirsty; shelter the homeless and poor, and bury the dead".
Since the 17th century, it is managed by a fraternity that renders unpaid voluntary services; it elects a leader knows as a Provider. Being admitted to the fraternity means social and economic recognition and the title of a Provider has been historically held by influent politicians or members of high society.
The reference of this work is the Gallery of Providers of Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, which displays the portraits of its Providers from the early 19th century to the present time. The Space was fully reproduced in the painting and the added information relate to the background of the portrayed Providers. Although benefactors, some of the Providers were charged of unjust enrichment, slavery; of being large landowners, politically favored; and were removed for having diverted resources of the Institution. 
In short, it is a small group that make up a charitable system with its own rules and policies and which, due to its longevity, is able to set parameters for the ethical values and interests of a portion of the Brazilian high society.