Exhibition "Indigenous Insurgencies: Art, Memory and Resistance"

After attracting almost 1 million visitors with the exhibition “Dos Brasis – arte e pensamento negro” – considered one of the largest exhibitions dedicated exclusively to national black production -, the Cultural Center Sesc Quitandinha, in Petrópolis, will open, this Saturday (24/5), a new exhibition project that promises great repercussion. It is “Indigenous Insurgencies: Art, Memory and Resistance“, which will bring together works and performances by indigenous artists from villages across the country.

The exhibition will open in stages—or in "bonfires," the terminology used by the project's curators. It is designed by anthropologist and Indigenous activist Sandra Benites and Marcelo Campos, chief curator of the Rio Art Museum (MAR), with assistance from Rodrigo Duarte, a visual artist and socio-environmental activist. The term bonfires (TATA YPY, the origin of fire, in Guarani) refers to the ancestral cultural practices of gathering around a fire. For the exhibition, the word refers to the meetings and discussions that open each stage of the exhibition.

"It's at the campfires that sharing and dialogue takes place, fueled by strength and affection. It's a community's meeting place, a place for debate, decision-making, retelling our stories, and awakening memories," the curators explain.

Andrey Guaianá and debate with indigenous leaders

The first bonfire, this Saturday (May 24th), will be marked by the unveiling of Andrey Guaianá Zignnatto's commissioned work at Galeria Brasil, and a conversation between the public, artists, and Indigenous leaders in the Convention Hall. Participating will be Lutana Kokama, Vanda Witoto, Iracema Gãh Té Kaingang, and Alice Kerexu Takua, as well as curator Sandra Benites. The event, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 14 p.m., is free. There will also be a livestream through a link available at www.sescrio.org.br.

Born in Jundiaí, São Paulo, a descendant of the Tupinaky'ia and Gûarini tribes, Andrey is recognized for his works that reference the world of labor. The grandson of a bricklayer, whom he helped as a child, Andrey uses materials such as cement bags, bricks, mortar joints, and fragments and leftovers from urban interventions in his works. His intention is to provoke reflection on the unstable and dynamic relationship that humans establish with their surroundings.

Diversity of peoples

The next bonfire will be on June 7th, featuring the development of commissioned works—those created exclusively for the exhibition. The public will be able to witness the creation process, which will involve installations, paintings, and illustrations. The pieces will be created by artists and collectives from Amazonas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina, from the Desana, Baniwa, Anambé, Guarani Nhandeva, Xavante, Guarani, Mbya, and Karapotó peoples.

The project's development continues on July 10th, coinciding with the Sesc Winter Festival, when audiovisual works, including mapping, will be presented and a work by artist Tamikuã Txihi will be unveiled around Lake Quitandinha. The final bonfire is scheduled for August 9th, completing the exhibition, featuring works that evoke art and memory. The exhibition will run until February 2026.

Service
Exhibition | Indigenous Insurgencies: Art, Memory and Resistance
From May 24th to February 24th
Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, from 10 am to 16:30 pm