The identity of Rio Grande Norte registered through the local graphic vernacular

Abstract

The identity of a people is their culture, the visual expression of which is one of their most evident manifestations. If, in many cases, this identity is manipulated in a way that is perceived by the public to whom it is intended as a culture that is clear of macula, leading to the loss of much of its popular character, others exist in which it is still possible, by the most diverse reasons, to keep these identifying traits almost intact, without prejudice to being updated, that is: without crystallizing in time.

Thus, the present work describes and fits the research carried out within a postdoc project on the photographic collection and geolocation of vernacular written graphisms existing in the public space of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is the presentation of an external look about an identity and heritage visible on a day-to-day, but often little appreciated by its degree of ephemerality.

Starting from the framework and clarification of the concepts, the criteria for image selection are presented, as well as the parameters used to classify each one. From this classification, it is possible not only to organize an open and expandable image bank, but also to establish a basis for its public disclosure, so as to take advantage of the assets to value the local design.