Slavery's Trauma Explored in Hollywood-Style Rococo Halls at New Sesc Cultural Center

The exhibition titled 'Um oceano para lavar as mãos' showcases the work of twelve Black artists, focusing on the trauma associated with slavery during the Age of Navigation. Curated by Marcelo Campos and Filipe Graciano, it launches at the Centro Cultural Sesc Quitandinha in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, taking up a 3,000-square-meter area on the ground floor of the historic Palácio Quitandinha. This building, which opened in 1944 as South America's largest hotel-casino, closed in 1962 after President Dutra banned gambling in 1946. Aline Motta's installation, featuring six screens that highlight family memories and Afro-Atlantic identity, is placed in the former gaming area. The exhibit also aims to 'rethink Petrópolis,' a city that was the imperial summer capital under Dom Pedro II and housed several quilombos, including the Tapera community, recognized by Fundação Palmares in 2011. Other participating artists include Ayrson Heráclito, Arjan Martins, and Rosana Paulino. Marcelo Campos is the chief curator at the Museu de Arte do Rio and adjunct curator for the 'Dos Brasis' exhibition at Sesc Belenzinho, while Filipe Graciano founded the Museu de Memória Negra and manages the city's Racial Equality Promotion office.