Jaider Esbell's 'Apresentação: Ruku' at Galeria Millan explores jenipapo as shamanic tree and Indigenous knowledge
At Galeria Millan in São Paulo, Indigenous Makuxi artist and curator Jaider Esbell showcases 'Apresentação: Ruku,' which includes approximately 60 pieces centered on the jenipapo tree, or ruku, celebrated for its medicinal qualities and use in body painting ink. Esbell's exploration, initiated with guidance from a mentor prior to her passing from Covid-19, investigates the application of this ink on fabric and canvas. The exhibition, which runs until April 10, 2021, seeks to encourage discussions surrounding identity, territory, and tradition. Supported by anthropologist Paula Berbert, Esbell promotes Indigenous leadership in the arts, stressing the need to prevent cultural appropriation and inviting non-Indigenous individuals to engage through 'txaísmo.' The exhibition is currently closed due to pandemic restrictions.
Key facts
- Jaider Esbell is an Indigenous artist of the Makuxi ethnicity.
- The exhibition 'Apresentação: Ruku' features about 60 works at Galeria Millan's Anexo Millan.
- It focuses on the jenipapo tree (ruku), used for medicinal purposes and body painting ink.
- Esbell experiments with applying traditional jenipapo ink to canvas and fabric.
- The show runs until April 10, 2021, at Rua Fradique Coutinho, 1416, São Paulo.
- Esbell curated the exhibition with assistance from anthropologist Paula Berbert.
- He describes the exhibition as a form of 'txaísmo,' inviting dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
- The exhibition is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 protocols in São Paulo.
Entities
Artists
- Jaider Esbell
- Paula Berbert
Institutions
- Galeria Millan
- Anexo Millan
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil