Alfabeto Mágico

The Book of Saint Cyprian, one of the most important grimoires in Portuguese folklore, has influenced and permeated the popular consciousness with its countless occult rituals, exorcisms, spells, and folk remedies for everyday problems. The book’s contents define magical acts within the framework of popular Catholicism, creating a bridge between these spiritual opposites.

By reciting these magical recipes aloud, I understood that a certain mental illusion is necessary in order to believe in the wonderful results described in the Book. Magic exists to serve the Self. The impossibility of what is written is obvious; however, the study of magic is not compatible with the use of irony. Demonic figures may dominate our dreams, but their power over the physical realm remains vague. I therefore decided to create a visual language that transcribes the ingredients, the ritualistic steps, and their outcomes. Access to these spells and exorcisms becomes visible to the public without revealing the original text, allowing the construction of an image-based alphabet in which these acts are turned into secret codes that can be deciphered.

The Magic Alphabet materializes on common household materials, such as burlap fabric and bathroom silicone, bringing the project closer to its popular origins.