Mandacaru – Oil on canvas – 30 x 30 in. The cactus called Mandacaru is a symbol of rebirth and resilience in the arid sertão, in Brazil. It grows in very high temperatures and does not depend on rain to flourish, which according to a local legend, will come with the so desired rain. There is a famous song from a Brazilian singer, Luiz Gonzaga, that says “when the mandacaru cactus blooms during drought, it is a sign the rain has arrived in the backlands”. It is a happy song, just like Brazilian people. This abstract painting was inspired in this story, representing the hope, happiness and joy of people when they look to the flower and see the colors of the rainbow brought by the rain. Artist: Elisabete Monteiro