NASCIMENTO, Abdias
Being An Event of Love

The life and work of Afro-Brazilian painter, poet, essayist, dramatist, activist, and member of Parliament Abdias Nascimento (1914-2011) is a testament to his active commitment to Black expression and solidarity, both artistically and politically. In his art, Nascimento found another space for his research into the historiographies, political concerns, epistemologies, and teleologies of African peoples, both on the continent and in the diasporas. In his painting practice, which spans over four decades, he uses myths, concepts, and aphorisms from ancient Egypt, the Yoruba's, and the Ashanti's. Together, his body of work can be seen as a compendium of aesthetic, philosophical, and political discourses on Blackness and resistance, and resistance in Blackness.

Published on the occasion of the exhibition "Sedje Hémon. Imran Mir. Abdias Nascimento. Abstracting Parables", as part of the international Arnhem based art manifestation sonsbeek20→24, at Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, in 2022. [publisher's note]

Contributions by Abdias Nascimento, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Shade Mary-Ann Olaoye, Amal Alhaag, Ibrahim Cissé, Sita Dickson Littlewood, Sophie Douala, Zippora Elders, Lélia González, Keyna Eleison, Krista Jantowski, Elisa Larkin Nascimento, Aude Christel Mgba, Goia Mujalli, Kabengele Munanga, Gwen Parry, Olabiyi Yai.

Published by Archive Books, 2022
Design by Sophie Douala
Monographs