
In this gallery talk, art historian Heather Shirey explores the complex history of the Baiana archetype; one that evokes a past defined by racial oppression and gender inequity but that also speaks to the strength and resistance of powerful women of African descent, dominant figures in the commercial world, and leaders of spiritual communities. Shirey is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at University of St. Thomas.
#CultureFix is a short format, informal gallery talk featuring artists, curators and other luminaries. No reservation required. Culture Fix programs are free of charge.
Parking available in UCLA Lot 4, 221 Westwood Plaza, directly off Sunset Blvd | $12/day
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About the Exhibition:
Axé Bahia: The Power of Art in an Afro-Brazilian Metropolis, explores the distinctive cultural role of the city of Salvador, the coastal capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia and an internationally renowned center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Featuring more than 100 works from the mid-20th century to the present, including a stunning array of sculpture, painting, photography, video, and installation art, the exhibition explores the complexities of race and cultural affiliation in Brazil, and the provocative ways in which artists have experienced and responded creatively to prevailing realities of Afro-Brazilian identity in Bahia.