Lecture Examines Colonial Power Dynamics in 19th-Century Black Portraiture Through Alberto Henschel's Photography

On April 23, from 7 PM to 9 PM, the Sesc Research and Training Center in São Paulo will host a free lecture titled "Retratos Transatlânticos: a diáspora africana na fotografia de Alberto Henschel." The event critically analyzes power relations in 19th-century photographic portraits of Black individuals, focusing on the studio production of German-Brazilian photographer Alberto Henschel. Researcher Mônica Cardim will present findings from her 2023 doctoral thesis of the same name, completed at PGHEA-MAC/USP. Her research examines the colonial and decolonial uses of portraiture, investigating the roles of photographers, subjects, and collectors within unequal power dynamics. Specific case studies include the circulation of images through European ethno-anthropological collections and the presence of photographs in the collection of Afro-Brazilian religious leader Juca Rosa. The lecture connects the historical photographic studio to contemporary spaces of experimentation with Afro-diasporic cosmology, proposing photographic creation as a means to build counter-narratives for historically invisible stories. Registration opens on March 26 at 2 PM via the Sesc Center's website or app. The event is free, but registration is required and is personal and non-transferable. Cancellations are permitted up to 48 hours before the start via email. Participants can request a declaration of attendance after the event, which will be sent within 30 days.