Rubem Valentim

Construcoes afro-atlanticas [Afro-Atlantic Constructions] reproduces 99 artworks by the painter, sculptor and engraver Rubem Valentim's (Salvador, Brazil, 1922 - Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1991), a key figure in 20th century Brazilian art and Afro-Atlantic Histories. From the 1950s onward, Valentim incorporated the language of geometric abstraction to create complex compositions that redesigned and reconfigured Afro-Atlantic symbols, emblems and references. In this process, Valentim transformed the European artistic languages that dominated most of the art production in Brazil and worldwide during the 1950-60s (geometric abstraction, constructivism and concretism), blending them with African references, mostly through drawings and diagrams representing the deities of Afro-Brazilian religions-known as orishas-such as Shango's double-edged axe, Oshoosi's arrow and Osanyin's rods.