Aline Motta Wins Marcantonio Vilaça Prize and Explores African Heritage Through Personal Genealogy

Aline Motta was awarded the 7th Prêmio Marcantonio Vilaça alongside fellow artists Dalton Paula, Dora Longo Bahia, Ismael Monticelli, and Rodrigo Bueno. Her multimedia work delves into her family history and the African influence in Brazil, beginning with her mixed-race lineage and uncovering significant records of slavery in Vale do Paraíba. In 2016, her project Pontes sobre Abismos was chosen by Itaú Cultural's Rumos program. Additional works include (Outros) Fundamentos, Se o Mar Tivesse Varandas, Filha Natural, and Jogo da Memória, which earned her the Bolsa ZUM from IMS. In a recent interview, Motta reflected on the increasing focus on racial themes in her art and expressed doubts regarding the concept of 'justice' in the visual arts, which she perceives as elitist and often overlooks societal issues.