Antonio Obá investigates the influence and contradictions within the cultural construction of Brazil, giving rise to an act of resistance and reflection on the idea of national identity.
2023 year exhibited in Biennial Find out more
Obá utilizes icons present in Brazilian culture as allusions to racial and political identity, these iconic historical and sometimes religious subjects are explored within his sculpture, painting, installations, and performance. Obá’s own body is central to his research, questioning the eroticization of the black male body and construction of his own identity.
His works have been included in exhibitions such as Path, Oude Kerk, Amsterdam (2022); Antonio Obá: Fables, X Museum, Beijing (2022); Carolina Maria de Jesus, um Brasil para os brasileiros, IMS Paulista, São Paulo (2021); Enciclopédia Negra, Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo (2021); TUYMANS – CAHN – OBA, Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Paris (2021); Possédées, MO.CO, Montpellier (2020); 36º Panorama da Arte Brasileira, MAM, São Paulo (2019); Histórias Afro-Atlânticas, MASP / Tomie Ohtake, São Paulo (2018).
Liverpool Biennial 2023
Jardim (2022)
Antonio Obá’s ‘Jardim’ (2022), meaning Garden in Portuguese, is a large-scale installation consisting of hundreds of brass bells. The interactive installation invites visitors to follow a path through the work, encouraging active participation through the ringing of the bells. The immersive environment simulates a hideout – the bells act as bait, calling us to touch them. By completing this irresistible action, we sound the alarm and reveal our presence and location. In this scenario, we become both the hunter and the hunted. Obá draws on his research of hunting environments to present this ambiguous situation that is simultaneously an invitation and a trap.
Showing at Victoria Gallery & Museum
Tuesday–Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm
Venue
Victoria Gallery & Museum
University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DRAccess facilities available
View venue
