Parangolé is a slang Portuguese term which translates into a spectrum of ideas and events related to “idleness, a sudden agitation, an unexpected situation, or a dance party.”(1) Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica (1937-1980) created textile based structures designed to be worn and activated by the wearer. Oiticica attempted to transgress the structures of class in is native Brazil by moving to the Mangueira favela (2) and joining the Mangueira Samba School- the oldest Samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Oiticica’s parangolé objects were inspired by the processionals produced by organizations like the Mangueira samba school. The first parangolés that he created were performed by and for the members of this community. [read more]