Unveiling narratives through paint, dress and embroidery: Exploring representations of Black people in the art of Maria Auxiliadora da Silva

Abstract

Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, an Afro-Brazilian painter in the early twentieth century, was born into an artistic family. Her artwork, which reflects everyday life and Afro-Brazilian culture, includes personal memories and experiences. This article focuses on how Silva portrayed clothing and textiles in her paintings, particularly in terms of female representations and Black religiosity. Three of her works in the collection of the Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) will serve as starting points for discussing the intersection of fashion studies, art history and decolonial interpretations.