Elian Almeida

Elian Almeida is known for integrating various techniques into his artistic practice, including painting, photography, video, and installation.

Elian Almeida's Art Style

Elian Almeida embodies a new generation of artists whose practice is defined by a fusion of techniques. His work champions the recognition and empowerment of individuals and groups traditionally marginalized in society and art history.

His artistic repertoire examines the experience and performative aspects of the black body within modern Brazilian society. This exploration involves reclaiming elements from the past—images, narratives, and characters—as a means of empowering and disseminating Afro-Brazilian historiography.

Almeida's research involves exploring the biographies of black figures whose significance has been obscured by history, aiming to reclaim the recognition they deserve. Additionally, the artist confronts the violent tactics employed by law enforcement towards racialized bodies, probing issues of privilege within Brazilian culture and society, while also challenging the notion of racial democracy.

In his series Vogue, Almeida appropriates the visual identity and aesthetics of the renowned fashion magazine, incorporating them into the composition of his portraits of black individuals. Through this approach, the artist illustrates how his various artistic endeavors intersect, prompting viewers to critically examine the representation and circulation of these subjects within Brazilian visual culture.

Exhibitions of Almeida's Works

Elian Almeida has exhibited his works extensively on national and international scales. His solo exhibitions include "Pessoas que eram coisas que eram pessoas" at Nara Roesler in São Paulo (2023) and "Antes - agora - o que ha de vir" at Nara Roesler in São Paulo (2021).

Additionaly, the artist has participated in numerous group exhibitions, including "Encruzilhadas da arte afro-brasileira" at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in São Paulo (2023), "Nova vanguarda carioca" at Cidade das Artes in Rio de Janeiro (2022), "Crônicas cariocas" at Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) in Rio de Janeiro (2021), "Esqueleto – 70 anos de UERJ" at Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro (2019), among others.