Axé Bahia: The Power of Art in an Afro-Brazilian Metropolis explores the distinctive cultural role of the city of Salvador, the coastal capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, an internationally renowned center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Featuring more than 100 works from the mid-20th century to the present, including a stunning array of sculpture, painting, photography, video, and installation art, the exhibition explores the complexities of race and cultural affiliation in Brazil, and the provoca­tive ways in which artists have experienced and responded creatively to prevailing realities of Afro-Brazilian identity in Bahia.

6–7pm | Opening Program
Co-curator Roberto Conduru, Associate Professor of Art History and Theory at the Art Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University, discusses the exhibition as well as cultural traditions in Bahia with contemporary artist Ayrson Heráclito.

Audio of the Program (begins at 18 seconds):

7–10pm | Opening Party
Ayrson Heráclito presents Buruburu, a performance piece based on rituals in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé. Later in the evening, award-winning LA-based company Viver Brasil illuminates Afro-Brazilian ancestral dance and music with a performance of Agô Ayó: Spirits Rising, as well as a samba showcase.

Throughout the night, enjoy snacks and caipirinha cocktails by Sabor da Bahia. Celebrate the power of hope by creating a Fita, or colorful Bonfim ribbon bracelet, named after the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Our Lord of the Good End) in Salvador.

RSVP by September 15 at Eventbrite

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Opening programs continue on Sunday September 24, click here for details.

Parking available in UCLA Lot 4, 221 Westwood Plaza directly off Sunset Blvd |  $12/day

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Pacific Standard Time at the Fowler Museum
In Fall 2017, the Fowler Museum at UCLA presents a three-part exhibition program exploring Brazil’s African history and cultural heritage. Two exhibitions presented as part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA include Axé Bahia and Lineage through Landscape: Tracing Egun in Brazil (July 23–Dec 10), exploring complexities of race and cultural affiliation in Brazil, with more than 100 works from mid-20th century to the present. A third and complementary exhibition, Africa/Americas: Photographic Portraits by Pierre Verger (Sept. 10–Jan. 21), highlights 32 photographs by the renowned French artist, whose humanistic images explored enduring continuities linking people and cultures of West Africa and the African diaspora in the Americas.

Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA is a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. Supported by grants from the Getty Foundation, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA takes place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California, from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, and from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.