LACS Exhibition. Back in Bahia: The Repatriation Journey of Afro-Brazilian Art from Detroit to Salvador
February 2-26, 2026 | International Institute Gallery, 547 Weiser Hall
Back in Bahia: The Repatriation Journey of Afro-Brazilian Art from Detroit to Salvador
Curator: Ryan B. Morrison | Curatorial Assistant: Isabella H. de Lemos
February 2-26, 2026, International Institute Gallery, 547 Weiser Hall
Back in Bahia: The Repatriation Journey of Afro-Brazilian Art from Detroit to Salvador traces one of the largest repatriation efforts of Afro-Brazilian art to date. Led by the Detroit-based nonprofit Con/Vida: Popular Arts of the Americas, the initiative is returning more than 750 works of Afro-Brazilian popular art to Salvador, Bahia, where they will enter the collection of the National Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture (MUNCAB). Built over three decades through sustained relationships with artists, families, and workshops across Northeastern Brazil, the collection reflects the creative ingenuity, community memory, and diasporic traditions that define Afro-Brazilian popular art.
This exhibition highlights selected works from the broader repatriation effort, recognizing the artists and cultural stewards in Brazil and Michigan who made this historic return possible. Featured are woodcut prints by João Francisco Borges, Nilo dos Santos, Givanildo Francisco da Silva, and José Miguel da Silva, alongside examples of literatura de cordel—popular printed booklets that combine social commentary, folklore, poetry, and song.
Further reading and details are available in Portuguese and English at https://myumi.ch/61G23.
Presented by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Institute for the Humanities
Curator: Ryan B. Morrison | Curatorial Assistant: Isabella H. de Lemos
February 2-26, 2026, International Institute Gallery, 547 Weiser Hall
Back in Bahia: The Repatriation Journey of Afro-Brazilian Art from Detroit to Salvador traces one of the largest repatriation efforts of Afro-Brazilian art to date. Led by the Detroit-based nonprofit Con/Vida: Popular Arts of the Americas, the initiative is returning more than 750 works of Afro-Brazilian popular art to Salvador, Bahia, where they will enter the collection of the National Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture (MUNCAB). Built over three decades through sustained relationships with artists, families, and workshops across Northeastern Brazil, the collection reflects the creative ingenuity, community memory, and diasporic traditions that define Afro-Brazilian popular art.
This exhibition highlights selected works from the broader repatriation effort, recognizing the artists and cultural stewards in Brazil and Michigan who made this historic return possible. Featured are woodcut prints by João Francisco Borges, Nilo dos Santos, Givanildo Francisco da Silva, and José Miguel da Silva, alongside examples of literatura de cordel—popular printed booklets that combine social commentary, folklore, poetry, and song.
Further reading and details are available in Portuguese and English at https://myumi.ch/61G23.
Presented by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Institute for the Humanities
| Building: | Weiser Hall |
|---|---|
| Website: | |
| Event Type: | Exhibition |
| Tags: | Afro-brazilian Studies, Area Studies, Art, brazil, Center For Latin American And Caribbean Studies, Exhibition, Visual Arts |
| Source: | Happening @ Michigan from Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, International Institute |
| Upcoming Dates: |
Monday, February 16, 2026 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
|
International Institute Programming
The International Institute’s centers sponsor numerous conferences, lectures, exhibits, and cultural performances throughout the year. These events are designed to educate the university community and the public about global issues and inspire discussion and dialogue.
Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
