Between February 24th and April 7th, 2024, the exhibition A LUZ DA BEAUTY, by Luiz Moreira, curated by Marcus de Lontra Costa, will occur at the Mário de Andrade Library in Sao Paulo. The exhibition brings together 31 images in large and medium format, videos from the artist's visual series "Ayê e Orum" and "Oxum on the banks of Rio da Barra," as well as adornments and objects in collaboration with artists Diego Silf, Felipe Maltone, and Victor Hugo Mattos. In 2022, the project passed through Casa França-Brasil in Rio de Janeiro, reaching record attendance at the institution. Now, in the iconic library in the capital of São Paulo, the exhibition features never-before-seen images and a new exhibition.

"In current times, when we see a significant part of the Brazilian population occupying spaces of action and expression, young black people are still victims of racism and murders. There is, therefore, a cry for equality and inclusion, also present in the field of aesthetic affirmation, in the valorization of the universe of Afro-Brazilian visuality," says Marcus de Lontra Costa. For the experienced curator and art critic, who has previously headed the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro and the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage, "Luiz Moreira's works take advantage of the extreme visual richness and religious rites that came from Africa, giving them a transformative sense, in dialogue with contemporary technological techniques and materials. It is 'Afrofuturism' coming to the surface in striking colors full of contrast. The images vibrate before our eyes, and the photographed characters walk among us like in a carnival parade, combining seduction and enchantment".

Dividing himself between Miami and the center of São Paulo, Moreira was born on the capital's outskirts, in Jardim Ângela, where he lived until 18. His inspiration comes from his own experience as a resident of a peripheral neighborhood. He began photographing in academic projects in the social communication course. Then, he started to dedicate himself to street photography in São Paulo and New York, exploring the daily lives of these large centers. The photographer's aesthetic and documentary work combine an affinity with contemporary culture with an interest in diasporic perspectives and the cult of the realities of African-based religions. His documentary series, such as "Porta do Mar" and "Santo Negro," HAVE appeared in important national and international festivals and fairs, such as Art Basel (2019 edition, in Miami), the AfroPunk Festival (the editions that took place in Johannesburg, Atlanta, and Salvador), and the Troy House Art Foundation London, in 2023.

SERVICE: The Light of Beauty – Luiz Moreira

Curator: Marcus de Lontra Costa

Location: Mário de Andrade Library Address: Rua da Consolação, 94

Opening: February 24th with a guided tour at 11 am

Exhibition Period: February 24th to April 7th

Organized by: Iadê Institute of Art and Design

Support: Mário de Andrade Library Visitation: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 9 pm, and weekends and holidays, from 9 am to 6 pm. Free entrance.