Carne vegetal 1948

Marcelino Vespeira created “Carne vegetal,” or “Vegetable Meat,” sometime in the middle of the 20th century. Vespeira came of age in Portugal during a period of dictatorship under António de Oliveira Salazar, so his work often challenges social norms and explores themes of identity through a critical lens. Here, we can see the artist's exploration of identity through the gendered and organic forms that shape this image. The painting seems to defy traditional representations of the body by depicting a figure that blends human and natural elements. The fleshy tones and curves of the body are juxtaposed with horn-like shapes and plant-like forms, creating a hybrid entity. This blending of human and non-human elements suggests Vespeira's interest in questioning the boundaries of identity. The piece evokes a sense of tension and unease, reflecting the restrictive and oppressive atmosphere of the time in which it was created. Ultimately, Vespeira challenges us to reconsider our understanding of identity, gender, and the relationship between the human body and the natural world.