Young woman from Pernambuco wins international art award with canvas on representativeness

Addressing diversity and representativeness, the canvas “Somos Todos Pérolas” (“We Are All Pearls”) by Whitney de Araújo, a 21-year-old student who lives in Camaragibe, in the metropolitan region of Recife (PE), was awarded by the disputed international art competition Embracing Our Differences.

The contest, held in Florida, in the United States, promotes art as a way to celebrate human diversity and receives works from artists from all over the world. In 2023, the contest celebrated its 20th anniversary. In this edition, it received around 14,000 entries from 119 countries. For the exhibition, 50 works were chosen, but only three were awarded, including the screen by Whitney, in the adult category.

Her work was inspired by the classic painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, made by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, in 1665. Based on this reference, Whitney painted several women looking at their framed representations in a museum room. The painting, however, does not end within the limits of the canvas, leaving a message of continuity.

With creativity and exceptional technique, Whitney’s painting invites us to reflect on differences and inclusion. And the award supports the art’s main objective, which is to promote the transformation of our worldview based on a creative process.

To learn more about the awards and to inspire other young artists, we spoke with Whitney about how the canvas was created and her relationship to art:

Where did the idea to paint the “Somos Todos Pérolas” canvas come from?

I had already done other painting recreations before the “Girl with the pearl earring” and other artists as well. But this one was created specifically for the contest. As soon as I heard about the proposed theme on diversity, what came to my mind was representativeness. I remembered that we have more representation today, and that in the past we didn’t have much of that. So I did some research to find out which work would match the scenario I had already created in my head: a museum, where works of art usually stay, to then use as a reference for the girls who are looking at those who represent them, the art recreations. The painting was done on A3 paper, with a mixed technique that I really like to use, ink and pencil.

Have you received any awards before?

I’ve participated in other competitions before, but I’ve never been among the finalists. These contests are not widely advertised, so you have to do some research. My sister helps me with this. She was searching for contests for me to enter, and ended up finding Embracing Our Differences.

And what was it like to know that your canvas had been one of the three winners?

At first, even seeing that my work had been awarded, I didn’t believe it. Of course I believed in my ability, but there were many competitors. So, in my opinion, it was almost impossible to win the prize…

What was the repercussion of the competition for your work?

Undoubtedly, my work has gained more visibility! I was called to participate in some events, and my sales increased considerably. But I believe that I haven’t changed my way of painting, or my way of seeing art.

How do you see art?

Art for me is inspiration and creativity, a moment to let the mind work! Painting makes my creativity flow and I can develop myself…

Do you have a favorite artist?

I get a lot of inspiration from contemporary artists. But it was the older artists who paved the way for me to paint today’s artists… So I’m not inspired by a specific artist, I’m a little bit inspired by everyone, because each of them has their own peculiarities and I try to create mine.

What is your painting style?

I usually like to create my own paintings, and I go more for the figurative style. I also really like drawing women, I think because of the aesthetics. If you look at my Instagram, for example, most of the drawings are of women… I’m passionate about details, I love putting details in my paintings and drawings.

Is there any painting of yours that you consider to be more special?

In 2021, I created a canvas that I named “Borboleta” (“Butterfly”). It was based on the “chaos theory”, and it carried the message that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings here in Brazil could cause an earthquake in another country… This painting is special to me, as it was the first one I painted. I did it in my own way, using my knowledge and seeking inspiration. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it has already been sold, but it will always be in my heart.

Do you do exhibitions? Where do you sell your paintings?

I take orders through Instagram or WhatsApp. Besides these platforms I don’t sell anywhere else. I manage to sell some works, but I wouldn’t say it’s a big income. I’ve never done a solo exhibition, maybe someday! But on April 27th, I will participate in my first group exhibition, at “Rio Mar Casa”, at the Rio Mar shopping mall, in Recife (PE). 

Do you think art is valued in Brazil?

I don’t believe that art is valued in our country. I had to study in another city, because the course I wanted, in Visual Arts, only exists in two public institutions in my state [Pernambuco]. There are several other artists around here who are very good, but because of the lack of opportunity, are driven to pursue other professions that they dislike.

What would be a way to value art in Brazil?

A lot of people discredit contests and art competitions. I myself had my doubts, because I had tried other times and hadn’t achieved anything. But I believe that participating in competitions is a way to stimulate creativity and encourage artists to continue in art. My hope is that Brazil will invest more in this artistic area, hold more painting competitions, which are not so highly valued.

How old were you when you started painting?

I don’t remember the exact date I started, but I believe that at about 9 years old I was already drawing everything I saw on TV. I started with drawing and over time I developed in painting… Now I can already paint on any surface: paper, cardboard, wood, etc. I never took any kind of class, nor did I watch tutorials on YouTube. What happened was that I would draw characters from all the animations I watched on TV as a child. If I didn’t like them, I would do them again and that’s how I developed.

Do you study art nowadays?

Yes, at the age of 20, I managed to enter the course of my dreams, at the Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE – Olinda). It’s a technical course in Visual Arts. I finished it this year. And I’m currently studying Graphic Design at the AESO Barros Melo University Center (UNIAESO). I started the course because I wanted to learn about the digital world of arts… But my passion is traditional art.

Are there other artists in the family?

My uncle said one day that I got this talent from him, but I doubt it (lol)…. I believe this gift came a bit from my father. I already found a drawing of him and today he is a craftsman, he creates bonsai from wire.

Lastly, what do you most like to do in your free time?

I was born in Recife (PE), but I live in Camaragibe, with my mother and brothers. I really like the place where I live, because it’s quiet and I’m used to it. In my free time, I usually watch some series and movies, but mainly, I study and draw.

Want to support this cause?

Follow Whittney on Instagram: @w.whittney_arts