Tala

Tala

​"Tala" is a conceptual performance piece where I explore the interaction between the human body and the organic remains of nature. In this work, I support a fragment of a palm leaf (a "tala") over my head. While the object is a weathered piece of what was once a living organism, the performance breathes new life into it through a deliberate smile and a calculated posture.

The Mathematical & Creative Vision

​As a mathematician and conceptual artist, I am fascinated by the intersection of logic and organic forms. I created this piece to explore two main concepts:
​Mathematical Symmetry: The piece is rooted in the precision of fit. There is a natural symmetry in how the palm fragment perfectly accommodates the human head, creating a geometric balance between the person and the object.
​Resignification: My goal was to contrast the "dead" matter of the palm leaf with the "living" expression of a smile. By doing so, I transform a fallen fragment into a crown, shifting its meaning from botanical waste to a symbolic cultural artifact.

The Duality of the Unit (1+1)

​"To a common observer, this is just a dry 'tala' (palm fragment). But to my mathematical eye, it represents a complex sum. I see it as the equation 1+1: to witness a single object (the '1' that remains), there was a necessary existence of the '2' (the union of life and the environment that preceded it).
​In this performance, I explore the concept that nothing is truly singular or 'dead.' Even in a dry fragment, there is the sum of its entire history. I use my body to complete this equation, transforming the mathematical logic of addition into a visual representation of rebirth and cultural identity."

​Originally from Piripiri, Piauí (Brazil), my work is deeply influenced by the textures of my homeland, viewed through the analytical lens of mathematics and the expressive freedom of conceptual art.

Technical Sheet

​Artist: Douglas Lima dos Reis
​Artwork Title: Tala
​Date: Dec 19, 2025
​Camera/Photography: Douglas Lima dos Reis
​Subjects: Forest, vegetation, and the human body.
​Effects: Contrast and lighting adjustments.
​Art Style: Land art, conceptual art, and body art.

​Post-Processing

​Automatic Filters: To enhance the organic textures of the palm leaf.
​Contrast & Brightness Adjustments: To emphasize the mathematical symmetry and the visual impact of the performance.

Technical Specifications

​Hardware:
​Samsung Galaxy S24
​Mobile Support/Tripod

My art is never accidental. It is thought out to leave an impact and inspire the world, much like mathematics is never content with the 'result,' but is driven by the 'reason.' Ask the next question.