Antonio Obá's 'Festim da alma' at Mendes Wood DM Paris explores Black Brazilian cultural marginalization
Antonio Obá's exhibition, titled 'Festim da alma,' is currently on display at Mendes Wood DM in Paris, focusing on the marginalization of Black culture in Brazil. The showcase includes recent paintings and drawings that reflect on Brazil's indebtedness to Africa in forming its national identity. Translating to 'Feast of the Soul,' the exhibition narrates a life cycle, beginning with 'Alegoria para uma nascida' (2024) and ending with 'Autorretrato enquanto máscara.' 'Contenda – 2: A Dança' portrays two Black men dancing within decorative railings, symbolizing confinement. Additionally, 'Criança de coral' features 14 striking red plinths supporting portraits of children from a Catholic choir. The exhibition is open until March 27, 2025, and also references the 1963 debutante ball for Black Brazilians through 'Memento Mori – Baile de debutantes.'
Key facts
- Antonio Obá's exhibition 'Festim da alma' is on view at Mendes Wood DM in Paris
- The exhibition runs through March 27, 2025
- Obá addresses marginalization of Black culture in Brazil and the country's obscured debt to Africa
- Works include recent paintings and drawings employing symbolism and mysticism
- The exhibition title translates to 'Feast of the Soul' in English
- Obá explores cultural syntheses between Catholicism and Candomblé spiritual traditions
- The show includes 'Contenda – 2: A Dança' referencing capoeira as resistance to slavery
- 'Memento Mori – Baile de debutantes' references the 1963 debutante ball in Belo Horizonte open to Black Brazilians
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Obá
Institutions
- Mendes Wood DM
- ArtReview
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Brazil
- Africa
- Belo Horizonte