Born 1968 in Macaúbas, Bahia, Brazil
Lives and works between Cachoeira and Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Ayrson Heráclito is a visual artist, curator, PhD in Communication and Semiotics from PUC-SP, and professor at the University of Reconcavo da Bahia, in Cachoeira. His research focuses on elements of Afro-Brazilian culture and its connections between Africa and the diaspora in the Americas. Heráclito’s work derives from the idea of sacredness expressed in the rituals and symbolism of the Candomblé. He often draws on the performative aspects of the trance, of magical actions that evoke, purify, and reorganise the energies, histories, and memories of Black heritage and colonial violence. His works take the form of installation, performance, photography, and video.
Recent solo exhibitions include “YORÙBÁIANO” (2021-2022), at Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR and Pinacoteca de São Paulo, curated by Marcelo Campos; and “Senhor dos Caminhos” (2018), at the Contemporary Art Museum (MAC - Niterói), curated by Pablo León de la Barra and Raphael Fonseca. His works are part of important collections in Brazil and abroad, including: Museum der Weltkulturen, Frankfurt, Germany; Instituto Itaú Cultural; Pinacoteca de São Paulo, and Instituto Inhotim.