Exhibition at the Afro Museum brings together paintings and African artworks about Exu
The 'Padê – sentinel at the door of memory' exhibition at the Afro Brasil Museum invokes the figure of Exu through a blend of traditional and contemporary art.
The Afro Brasil Museum in São Paulo has unveiled the exhibition "Padê – sentinel at the door of memory," which offers an insightful perspective on Exu, a significant deity in African and Afro-Brazilian cultures. Curated by Rosa Couto, the exhibition seeks to showcase the symbolic presence of Exu through various artworks, establishing a dialogue between traditional artifacts and contemporary creations.
The exhibition is thematically organized into three primary sections. The first section, titled 'África', features pieces that are deeply rooted in the rituals and traditional perspectives associated with Exu. The second part, 'Travessia', explores the concepts of movement and displacement linked to Exu, symbolizing change and transition. Finally, 'Diáspora' addresses the transformations of Exu's identity within the Afro-Brazilian context, particularly highlighting its significance in religious practices like candomblé and umbanda, showcasing how the deity has evolved and adapted over time.
In addition to reflecting on Exu's rich cultural heritage, the exhibition includes notable works by various artists, including Emanoel Araujo himself, Moisés Patrício, and others. By blending sacred objects, paintings, and contemporary artistic expressions, this exhibition not only enhances the understanding of Exu's role within African diasporic cultures but also emphasizes the importance of memory and tradition within contemporary art discourse in Brazil.