Catarina Gomes Garcia 

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502 ovelhas, 30 carneiros, 6 cabras e 1 xibato

2023
pencil on paper.
This series reflects on a story that my grandfather used to tell me in his later years. It tells about a time when he owned 502 sheep, 30 lambs, 6 goats, 1 goatling, 1 mule, and 1 dog. As he struggled with memory loss, this was the only part of his life as a shepherd that he could recall. I heard this account so many times that these numbers come out of my mouth with ease as if part of me.

The story was translated onto a grid and slowly filled in with pencil marks. Repeating the process of tracing this story is itself an act of holding on to a memory of my grandfather and an understanding of myself. A conflict arises between the desire to remember and the fear of reshaping our memories. With each repetition, the series evolves, with some alterations in each painting.

As an immigrant, it can be challenging to balance remembering our roots and adapting to a new culture. Our memories of our homeland and past are precious, but they may become hazy and distant as time passes. Yet, by sharing our stories and experiences with others, we can bridge the gap between our past and present and find a sense of belonging in our new home. 

Stories and tales are what weave together our culture and sense of belonging. In this series, I return to my roots and recount the stories that remind me of who I am, just as my grandfather did.