Art Exchange Gallery and Museum
2966 Woodward Ave

Detroit, MI 48201
313-831-1200

Mon-Tues, 11am-2pm; Wed-Sat 11am-5pm.
Nov 8-Dec 30





The Art Exchange Gallery and Museum opens its doors with a look at the cultural influence of Africa on Brazil. Curated by Marion Jackson and Barbara Cervenka, the exhibition displays how the influx of peoples from Africa influenced the Americas – in particular the region of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. Here African people managed to avoid total assimilation by the European culture and maintain or at least adapt a great deal of their cultural identity.





“Capoeira Performance”


This exhibition focuses on the traditional African Brazilian folk art. Those lucky enough to have attended the opening were treated to a performance of capoeira Brazilian martial arts/dance. (For that matter there were many tasty authentic treats on hand that evening as well.) Carnival banners, woodcuts, sculptures and dolls constitute the work in the show. All of these represent some part of the candomblé religion, which retained in secret, traditions of their African heritage. The works represent the Orixás – the deity or energy shaping the world, and Exu – the male spirit who serves as the messenger to link Orixás and mankind.








These figures serves as a metaphor for the power of this show itself. Exu is said to reside at the crossroads – the location where people and ideas come together and an exchange between them occurs. This show is just such a crossroads and the works are the messengers. The Art Exchange becomes a place where cultures that came together long ago are shared and introduced to our culture today.





“Reception Attendee Maggie Farrow admires the work.”


By creating this meeting place, ideas are exchanged and new understanding arises from the encounter. Come be a part of the dialogue.