Where are the blacks? Deletion, Racialization and Nonconformity in Brazilian

Abstract

The presence of blacks in Brazilian art and the intentional deletion of their presence can be directly related to the processes that have determined their role in society. We are still immersed in a white-oriented art history; thus, our endeavor is to reconsider the words, images, displays and collection storage spaces that reverberate widespread ignorance when raising questions such as: Where are the blacks? We have to ponder over modernities and their reaffi rmations, based on principles echoing mestizaje, myths and ghosts that still haunt possible stories that represent the defi nitive and vast majority of black people in Brazilian society.