Grada Kilomba Advocates for Decolonial Art Practice at Pinacoteca Exhibition Opening
Grada Kilomba inaugurated her exhibition 'Desobediências Poéticas' at the Pinacoteca do Estado, which will be on display until September 30. The opening included a discussion with philosopher Djamila Ribeiro. Kilomba called attention to the importance of writing in the first person, criticizing how white female artists exploit Blackness, likening it to a reenactment of colonial practices. Her video works, 'Ilusões Vol. I Narciso e Eco' and 'Ilusões Vol. II Édipo,' reinterpret Greek myths through a racial perspective. Pieces such as 'Table of Goods' honor the sacrifices of Black individuals, while 'O dicionário' delves into themes of denial and reparation. Additionally, Kilomba presented her book 'Memórias da Plantação. Episódios de racismo cotidiano' during her time in São Paulo. The debate can be accessed online.
Key facts
- Grada Kilomba's exhibition 'Desobediências Poéticas' is at Pinacoteca do Estado until September 30.
- Kilomba participated in an opening debate with philosopher Djamila Ribeiro.
- She criticizes artists who exploit Black narratives without personal positioning as engaging in colonial practice.
- Her video works deconstruct Greek myths from a racial perspective.
- Sculpture 'Table of Goods' uses cocoa, coffee, and sugar as a memorial to slavery.
- Installation 'O dicionário' explores words related to oppression and reparation.
- Kilomba launched her book 'Memórias da Plantação. Episódios de racismo cotidiano' in São Paulo.
- The artist states the key to decolonizing knowledge and arts is being 'reflected in my work.'
Entities
Artists
- Grada Kilomba
- Djamila Ribeiro
- Adriana Varejão
- Cida Bento
Institutions
- Pinacoteca do Estado
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Germany