Azazelejo

AZAZELEJO
aka Scapegoat Azulejo

*Azazel came to be viewed as a fallen angel responsible for introducing humans to forbidden knowledge. This series of artworks is exploring the theme of forbidden knowledge in today’s world where it all seems to be available and saturated with information. Presented in the form of azulejo ceramic tiles, juxtaposing tradition and contemporary communication noise.  MultiMadeira2324.

http://multimadeira.com

Azazel’s azulejo?

Azulejo tiles are traditional ceramic tiles with vibrant designs and intricate patterns, originating from Spain and Portugal. These tiles are typically characterized by their blue and white color scheme, though they can feature a variety of colors. Azulejos are commonly used to decorate walls, floors, and ceilings in buildings such as churches, palaces, and homes, serving both decorative and functional purposes. The art of crafting azulejo tiles has a rich history dating back centuries, blending influences from Moorish, Islamic, and European artistic traditions.

The Azazelejo tiles have been decorated using avatar like symbols in order to  stimulate the spectator, setting the theme in a bit of unclear but playful way.  In the era of information saturated space around us, these tiles are showing patterns of simple and clear symbols. Even so these can be percieved as purely decorative, the traditional azulejo layout is inviting the spectator to make up its own meaning of the depicted symbols, symbolizing the “forbidden” skills we have adopted so well.

In various mythologies and religious texts, Azazel is often depicted as a fallen angel or demon who is associated with imparting forbidden knowledge or corrupting humanity. One prominent example comes from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Enoch, which is considered apocryphal by many religious traditions.

 

 

According to the Book of Enoch, Azazel is one of the leaders of the fallen angels, known as the Watchers, who descended to Earth and taught forbidden knowledge to humanity. This forbidden knowledge included various arts and sciences that were believed to be beyond the natural realm of human understanding. The text describes how Azazel specifically taught humans the secrets of metallurgy, cosmetics, sorcery, and the art of war. Additionally, Azazel is said to have introduced humans to forbidden practices such as the crafting of weapons and the use of charms and spells.

 

In this context, the knowledge imparted by Azazel and the other fallen angels is considered forbidden because it was believed to lead humanity astray from the path of righteousness and to bring about corruption and destruction. The story of Azazel teaching forbidden knowledge serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking knowledge beyond what is considered permissible or morally upright.

 

AZAZELEJO – MULTIMADEIRA 2324 – Funchal, Madeira, Pt.