Muncab opens exhibition in Salvador with works that are part of the largest repatriation of artworks ever conducted in Brazil
The Muncab museum in Salvador opens an exhibition featuring works from Brazil's largest art repatriation to date.
The Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira (Muncab) in Salvador will open an exhibition titled "Inclassificáveis" on March 13, marking the first public display of the Con/Vida collection following the largest repatriation of artworks in Brazil's history. The exhibition includes 69 pieces, comprising paintings and sculptures from a total of more than 660 artworks that had been held in the United States for decades. This significant collection of works was donated to the Bahian museum by American collectors Bárbara Cervenka and Marion Jackson, who gathered the items over a span of more than 30 years.
The exhibited artworks are representative of various Brazilian artists primarily from Bahia, Ceará, and Pernambuco, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of these regions. Curated by Jamile Coelho and Jil Soares, the show aims to present the works without the constraints of traditional historical categorization, thereby inviting viewers to engage with the art in a more open and inclusive manner. This initiative not only highlights the need for the repatriation of cultural artifacts but also serves to acknowledge and celebrate African-Brazilian culture and history through visual art.
This exhibition is expected to draw attention to the significance of repatriating artistic works that reflect the identity and cultural narratives of Brazil. By showcasing these pieces in Salvador, the Muncab not only restores artistic heritage but also enhances public appreciation for the contributions of Afro-Brazilian artists, creating a platform for dialogue and representation within the cultural landscape of the nation.