Exploring the Essence of Brotherhood at the Community Artists' Collective

Kathleen Coleman | 9/20/2023, 5:24 p.m.
In a quest to rediscover the profound sense of community and kinship severed during the Afro-diaspora's painful history of slavery, …
Ibraim Nascimento

In a quest to rediscover the profound sense of community and kinship severed during the Afro-diaspora's painful history of slavery, the remarkable Afro-Brazilian artist Ibraim Nascimento unveils "Irmandade." This captivating exhibition, set to open its doors on September 23 at the Community Artists' Collective, is a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Hailing from the vibrant Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil, Nascimento has relocated to Houston, Texas, while maintaining his role as an artist-activist advocating for indigenous rights in his homeland. His talent has graced exhibitions in both Brazil and the United States, and "Irmandade" promises to be a testament to his artistic prowess.

"Irmandade," a Portuguese word for brotherhood, delves into the intricate tapestry of human connection. Nascimento employs the metaphor of a red thread, weaving a web that links each canvas. On these canvases, Black individuals are depicted, symbolizing the ties that bind them through blood and ancestry. These threads serve as metaphors, representing the quest for deeper meaning, a sense of belonging, self-discovery, reconnection, or affirmation of this fundamental concept.

During the dark era of slavery, Black individuals were shackled together, forcibly removed from their homeland. Today, they reunite through shared gazes, customs, stories, and collective spirits. This reunion offers a glimmer of hope in rebuilding the notion of "irmandade."

The "Irmandade" exhibition will grace The Collective at 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116, from September 23 to November 25. The grand opening on Saturday, September 23, promises an engaging experience from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring a special performance by Nascimento himself.

On October 14 at 2 p.m., Nascimento will engage audiences with an insightful talk, delving deeper into the themes of his work. Additionally, the artist will collaborate with performance artist Victor Givens for a special presentation in November, with the exact date to be announced.

For further information about this transformative exhibition, please visit thecollective.org. Join us in celebrating the beauty of "Irmandade" as it redefines the bonds that unite us all.

For more information, visit thecollective.org.