“Açaí: Decolonising Narratives” was inspired by the concepts of ontology and coloniality explored by Arturo Escobarand the pressing need to discuss the effects of Eurocentrism. This exhibition delves into the lives of Mizael, Gabriel, and Luan, who live in a remote community where açaí is their crucial source of income, entangled with a strong succession concept, traditions and a deep connection to the forest. It also addresses how Eurocentric media often villainises these communities instead of questioning the system they are forced to navigate. Through this narrative, the project challenges viewers to reconsider the stories imposed on marginalised cultures.
Escobar, A. (2018) Design for the Pluriverse. Radical Interdependence, Autonomy and the Making of Worlds. Duke University Press.
Mock-up of the exhibition developed on Photoshop illustrating the display with photos, a TV for the video and the two bowls made of terracotta clay.
Sacred Conformity
A bowl bisque fired and glazed, shaped in a very traditional form, representing the Western way to eat açaí. Very sophisticated and delicate, almost luxurious
Contours of resilience
A bow bisque fired and glazed representing the traditional way to eat açaí. The bowl is in a very deformed shape to represent external forces, a hand squish it. And in the background a palm tree leaf that create the colour of the Brazil flag with the bowl.
Açaí: Decolonising Narratives
The TV with the video displayed. It’s my documentary developed based on extensive research and interviews with people from this remote community in Brazil.
