ABOUT

Mixing fiction, history and design, Gustavo Piqueira transposes illuminated medieval Bibles into the 21st century with the launch of his new book “Mateus, Marcos, Lucas e João” and the exhibition "Inanis: iluminuras para o século 21" (Inanis: illuminated initials for the 21st century).

The Book: “Mateus, Marcos, Lucas e João”

Four different versions of the trajectory of “the one who has come to save us”, each one written by one of the characters in its title. But no, this saviour is not Jesus Christ, but instead, a cellulite cream. And, of course, the four evangelists are also not the same as their namesakes.

The graphic project of the book, as in medieval bibles, is opulent and complex, transforming its graphic content into a narrative element that is as important as its textual one.

— “The sheet metal cover is adorned with fake jewels that have been glued on manually and its pages are filled with contemporary versions of medieval historiated initials. Each one, like its medieval predecessors, presents a visual narrative. However, instead of biblical scenes, these letters depict images of traffic jams, fast food, weapons and cell phones — a satirical, yet concise portrait of our era.” says Gustavo.

The Exhibition: “Inanis – iluminuras para o século 21”

The exhibition “Inanis – iluminuras para o século 21“ consists of the contemporary initials developed for the project — three complete Western alphabet sets developed, available for free download at the project’s website — as well as a historical overview of the graphic evolution of the Bible dating from the dawn of Christianity until the discovery of the press in the West in the fifteenth century.


Book Launch and Exhibition Opening

Both will be launched at the University of São Paulo's Biblioteca Brasiliana Guita e José Mindlin on October 29th, São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information on the launch event and the project, access the official website: by searching: mateusmarcoslucasejoao