Leonilson. Political Body

"Leonilson. Political Body", presented by Almeida & Dale in collaboration with the Leonilson Project, commemorated the 30th anniversary of José Leonilson's death, a pivotal figure in Brazilian art over the past decades. Curated by Agustín Pérez Rubio, the exhibition revisited and contextualized the artist's legacy, delving into themes such as ecology, local memory, sexuality, and the fight against social stigmas.

Leonilson is celebrated for his artistic activism, intertwining significant social and emotional stances. The exhibition showcased the diversity of his work, featuring paintings, drawings, embroideries, and installations that ranged from ecological issues to the human fragility in the face of illness. Each piece served as an invitation for reflection, underscoring the enduring relevance of the artist's concerns, even three decades posthumously.

The assembled collection brought together works that resonate with the present moment and established Leonilson as an eternally pertinent voice, particularly in the realm of political and social rights and affections. His works revealed an artist who addressed issues transcending his own time and space, continuing to engage with the complexities of the contemporary world. His art consistently focused on minorities, fostering reflections on humanity and respect.

Launched alongside the exhibition, the book "Leonilson. Corpo Político," organized by Agustín Pérez Rubio, serves not only as an exhibition catalog but also includes texts from the curator himself and additional documents, such as speech transcripts, providing broader context on Leonilson's impact both in the artistic and social spheres. The publication offers a comprehensive insight that emphasizes the artist's ongoing significance. A digital version is available for download in the Publications section of the website.

Service

Leonilson. Political Body
Curated by Agustín Pérez Rubio
From August 5th to October 7th, 2023

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