Irmandade celebrates the bond of kinship

In this issue

"Irmandade" opens September 23

September Second Thursday Workshop

Open Call to Artists

Art Education Scenes

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COVID-19 Update

The Collective's Gift Shop

Jubilee Quilt Circle

Afro Brazilian artist illustrates the bond of kinship; "Irmandade" opens September 23

“Irmandade,” an exhibition opening September 23, at the Community Artists’ Collective, represents artist Ibraim Nascimento’s search for the community and brotherhood/sisterhood which was disconnected in the Afro-diaspora during slavery.

Nascimento is an Afro-Brazilian artist from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, who has moved to Houston and continues his artist-activist links to the defense of indigenous rights in Brazil. His work has been exhibited in Brazil and the United States

This exhibition illustrates the bond of kinship between brothers, sisters and the deeper connection between diverse people. Irmandade is the Portuguese word for brotherhood, the bond of kinship.

Using the lines of thread as an analogy for connection and reconnection, the artist connects each canvas with red thread. On the canvases are images of Black people connected to each other by blood and ancestry. Sometimes these threads signify a search for something deeper, perhaps belonging, self, a lost connection or a confirmation of the existence of this concept.

During the period of slavery Black people were connected to each other by chains and taken from their homeland, and today they reconnect in a shared gaze, customs, stories and in their collectivities and spirit. This reunion is the possibility of rebuilding the notion of “irmandade.”

The exhibition will continue at The Collective, 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116, through November 25. The opening reception on Saturday, September 23, is from 2 to 5 p.m. with a performance by Nascimento.

The artist will deliver a talk October 14 at 2 p.m., and he and performance artist Viktor LE Givens will collaborate on a presentation in November, date to be announced.

Ibraim Nascimento

Second Thursday Workshop

Open Call to Artists

The Community Artists’ Collective is seeking proposals from greater Houston area artists and curators for its fall 2024 through fall 2025 exhibition season.

Proposals from early, mid and established artists and curators for solo and group exhibitions will be accepted for all mediums and multidisciplinary forms. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, October 8.

Criteria for participation is fully outlined on The Collective’s website here.

The exhibition proposals will be assessed by The Collective’s executive director, its exhibition coordinator and the exhibition advisory committee. Artists’ works will be assessed on artistic merit, originality and their potential relationship with The Collective’s programs. A modest stipend will be offered to artists who are selected.

For more information contact Exhibition Coordinator Tamirah Collins at 713-523-1616.

Scenes from the after-school programs at the Hester House and the Back-to-School event at SHAPE Community Center

Dear Community Artists' Collective visitors and supporters,

We continue to play close attention to the news and announcements surrounding the COVID - 19 outbreak.

The Collective asks that you continue to wear masks and practice social distancing when visiting our facility (and elsewhere as well). We also urge you to take advantage of the free vaccinations provided throughout the city for you and your loved ones' protection. We value your support and understanding during these extraordinary times.

Do all that you can to keep yourself and your family and friends safe and healthy by staying informed from a reputable source. Here is the link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov).

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