The Gazette | Out of the blue? Pope’s Square gains mythological art that reinforces mental health

A wide, tall structure, full of graffiti and that makes reference to Greek mythology. Anyone passing by Praça do Papa, in Enseada do Suá, in Vitória, notices the curious scene of a new artistic intervention. Atlas, a mythological titan, is the work of Espírito Santo artist Zota Coelho and was placed in the center of the square on Sunday night (29), reinforcing the importance of mental health care and raising a debate about the “weight of the world”.

The work was installed in the middle of Praça do Papa, exactly where the globe is, already known by the capixabas. With the new intervention, those who frequent the space may wonder what the image of a man holding the “iron ball” is like.

Atlas in the square (Carlos Alberto Silva)

The artist explains that the work is a contemporary reading of Atlas, known for carrying the globe on his back, which already exists in Praça do Papa. The globe, however, has a series of interpretations, such as everyday obligations and jobs.

For Zota Coelho, the modern vision of the titan seeks to show that, despite all the strength, there is no way to lift the “globe of obligations”, appointments and day-to-day tasks.

The artist also recalls the White January campaign, a moment of greater debate and awareness of people about mental health.

“There are countless diseases, problems that can develop from the lack of care with mental health. So this sculpture serves mainly to keep people attentive to what really matters”, says Zota Coelho.

The evaluation of the capixaba, who has other well-known works in the city, is that the message is not just about the weight, but the priorities.

Hand with a rose in Feu Rosa, Serra (Zota Coelho)

“In this way, the message is not only for us to see how heavy everyday life is, but for us to be wise enough to choose what should actually weigh in our lives. It’s about looking at our friend, it’s about giving help, giving attention and give affection”, she reports.

The Vitória City Hall informed that the work was a private initiative by the artist installed in Praça do Papa on Sunday night (29), at no cost to the municipal administration. According to the city hall, the artist informed about the intention before installing the work.

This is not the first time that Espírito Santo artist Zota Coelho surprises Espírito Santo with art. In various parts of Greater Vitória and in various formats, Zota has already made references to the city of Vitória, to health professionals during the Covid pandemic and promoted artistic intervention that bears the name of Cariacica.

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