Ayrson Heráclito's First Monograph 'Òye' Explores Yoruba Concepts in Art
The inaugural monograph on Ayrson Heráclito, named 'Òye' (Cobogó, 2026), delves into his creations from 2000 to 2025, structured around seven key word-concepts. A babalorixá hailing from Bahia, Heráclito is showcasing 'Ojú-Inú' at Simões de Assis Galeria de Arte until September 12. The book opens with 'Èkó,' which pertains to performative pieces such as 'Falando e Fazendo Comida de Santo' (2019). Marcelo Campos, the organizer, draws parallels between Èkó and Paulo Freire's educational philosophy. Themes like 'Ódára' and 'Ebo' relate to works centered on palm oil and rituals. Additionally, the 'Oríkí' chapter connects to 'O Livro dos Juntós' (Familia Editions, 2026), which includes 222 illustrations of orixás. Heráclito remarked, 'Words have the power to awaken worlds.'
Key facts
- First monograph on Ayrson Heráclito titled 'Òye' published by Cobogó in 2026.
- Book organized around seven word-concepts, covering works from 2000 to 2025.
- Heráclito's solo exhibition 'Ojú-Inú' at Simões de Assis Galeria de Arte until September 12.
- Artist's quote: 'The word does not evoke, the word acts.'
- Concept 'Èkó' governs works like 'Falando e Fazendo Comida de Santo' (2019).
- Marcelo Campos compares Èkó to Paulo Freire's pedagogy.
- Concept 'Ódára' includes works with palm oil like 'As Mãos do Epó: Oxum' (2004).
- 'O Livro dos Juntós' (Familia Editions, 2026) contains 222 drawings of orixá combinations.
- Drawings in the book match those in installation 'Juntó-Orìkí' (2026) at Venice Biennale.
- Heráclito stated 'Words have the power to awaken worlds' at ArPa fair launch.
Entities
Artists
- Ayrson Heráclito
- Marcelo Campos
- Paulo Freire
Institutions
- Cobogó
- Simões de Assis Galeria de Arte
- Familia Editions
- ArPa
- Bienal de Veneza
Locations
- Bahia
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Venice
- Italy