Vanessa da Silva's 'Roda Viva' exhibition at Mostyn gallery explores Brazilian identity through textiles and sculpture

Vanessa da Silva's solo exhibition 'Roda Viva' at Mostyn gallery in Llandudno, Wales, presents multimedia works exploring Brazilian identity, ancestry, and memory. The São Paulo-born, London-based artist showcases hand-embroidered screen prints on transparent colored mesh, featuring stylized family silhouettes from photographs. Four large textile pieces hang in a circular installation, embodying the 'wheel of life' concept referenced in the title. Sculptural works from her 'Muamba Grove' series, previously shown at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2022, suggest dancing bodies. Da Silva incorporates black beans and sand into sculptures and canvases, referencing Brazilian cultural symbols like feijoada and beaches. The exhibition includes two canvases depicting her parents with bean beads. Curator Kalliopi Tsipni Kolaza emphasized movement in the installation. Influences include Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila's 1974 album and sculptor Hélio Oiticica. A performance is scheduled for the finissage on 31 May 2025. The artist describes the show as deeply personal, focusing on joy and celebration rather than explicit political commentary. The exhibition opened in April 2025 and represents da Silva's largest UK solo show to date.