PENITENTES (Brazil, 2002-2007)
In Brazil the line between religion and fanaticism is very narrow, observes Guy Veloso. He photographed religious scenes in the barren and impoverished hinterland, where the body plays an important role in religious experience. Clad in white tunics, the believers expiate their sins with song, prayer, and sometimes also self-chastisement. The Catholic church has no involvement with these rituals and usually condemns them. In some cases the police take action against the believers.
