The Wine Label Collection
The “Wine Labels Collection” explores the idea of deep transformation without eluding from its basic elements. Rafaela Costa started this body of work in 2019, a few months after she moved to the United States to live in the wine country. This collection embodies and illustrates the artist’s personal journey and her own period of transformation. By using wine labels as a medium, the artist not only brings awareness to the idea of repurposing materials and the importance of recycling, but she also incorporates a new element of her daily life into her work. On the subjective realm she aims to explore the metaphorical symbolism of labels. For the artist, labels are normally used as descriptions, they give meaning and at the same time define and restrain the idea of something (or someone). By deconstructing a label and seeing it as its basic elements, which in this case are patterns of ink on paper. The artist uses its parts to create new images that have a new identity, meaning and purpose. The old label transcends its forms, nonetheless, it never departs from its basic elements.
“Attachment”. Dimension: 30"x 24", wine labels on paper.
“2023 - Birth and Rebirth”. Dimension: 23"x 23", wine labels on paper.
“Notice”. Dimension: 16"x 20", wine labels on paper.
“Lilly Pad”. Dimension: 20"x 16", wine labels on paper.
“Lion”. Dimension: 8"x 9", wine labels on paper.
“Corkscrew W1”. Dimension: 11"x 14", wine labels on paper.
“Corkscrew B1”. Dimension: 11"x 14", wine labels on paper.
“Butterfly”- (Collaboration with Carlo Mondavi: RAEN Winery) Dimension: 16"x 20", wine labels on paper.
“From the Sea”. Dimension: 5,5"x 7.5", wine labels on paper.
“Cactus 3”. Dimension: 5.5"x7.5", wine labels on paper.
“Cactus 1”. Dimension: 5.5"x7.5", wine labels on paper.
“Cactus 2”. Dimension: 5.5"x7.5", wine labels on paper.
“Vines”. Dimension: 11"x 14", wine labels on paper.
“Woods”. Dimension: 11"x 14", wine labels on paper
The Wine Label Collection- Abstract
“Abstract L’s” Dimensions 7.5”x7.5”, wine labels on paper.
“Abstract O’s” Dimensions 7.5”x7.5”, wine labels on paper.
“Abstract A’s” Dimensions 7.5”x7.5”, wine labels on paper.
Abstract 1 Dimensions: 11”x14”, wine labels on paper.
“Abstract 5” Dimensions 20”x 16", wine labels on paper.
“Abstract 6” Dimensions 20”x 16", wine labels on paper.
“Am I dear to you?”
“Am I Dear to You” is an NFT, digital collage art collection created by Rafaela Costa. The collection aims to explore different social issues in hopes to bring awareness, as well as a healthy dose of encouragement, to the these issues affecting many in society. As an immigrant, and having English as a second language, the artist plays with the sound of the words “Deer” or “Dear”. Words that may sound the same, yet both holding very distinct and different metaphorical meanings. To further engage with this concept, Rafaela chose a “graffiti look” which is intended to remind us of the archetype of a rebel - the ones who dare to question and express their true selves.
“Collaboration with Cortez Conservas”
"This collection, created in collaboration with Cortez Conservas, holds deep personal significance. Cortez Conservas, known for been the first USA producer of Bottarga, an exquisite delicacy made from mullet, connects to the heart of my roots in Florianópolis—a soulful fishing village where mullet is more than a staple; it’s a cultural emblem. This series intertwines tradition, community, and the shared heritage of the sea, evoking childhood memories and a deep cultural connection linked to the fishing on Mullet.”
