About this Event
The Consulate General of Brazil in New York presents BEMBÉ — The Feast of the King's Eyes, a photography exhibition by Brazilian artist and researcher Roque Boa Morte, curated by Jamile Borges, PhD.
Presented as part of Black Awareness Month, the exhibition features previously unseen photographs documenting Bembé do Mercado, an Afro-Brazilian celebration held annually in Santo Amaro, Bahia, since 1889, commemorating the abolition of slavery in Brazil.
Following its presentation at the City College of New York (CUNY), the exhibition at the Consulate continues the project's international journey, inviting audiences to explore Afro-Brazilian heritage, spirituality, collective memory, and cultural resistance.
A Living Archive of Afro-Brazilian Memory
Born in Santo Amaro, Bahia, Roque Boa Morte has documented Bembé do Mercado, a celebration recognized as Brazilian cultural heritage in 2019. Over five years, he assembled an archive of more than 9,000 photographs capturing religious ceremonies, community traditions, and cultural expressions.
His work combines contemporary photography, visual anthropology, and research into Black cultural memory, offering an intimate perspective on a tradition deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian identity.
Two Cities, Many Stories of the African Diaspora
Presented at both the City College of New York and the Brazilian Consulate, the project creates complementary opportunities to engage with Afro-Brazilian history and culture.
The exhibition explores connections between the African diasporas of Brazil and the United States, highlighting their distinct histories and shared experiences of cultural preservation, resilience, and identity.
About Roque Boa Morte
Roque Boa Morte is a Brazilian visual artist, photographer, and researcher from Santo Amaro, Bahia. He holds a master's degree in Ethnic and African Studies from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). His work explores Afro-diasporic memory, cultural heritage, and visual anthropology and has been exhibited internationally.
About Jamile Borges
Jamile Borges, PhD, is an anthropologist, Vice-Rector of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), and coordinator of its Center for Afro-Oriental Studies. Her research and curatorial practice focus on African and Afro-Brazilian histories, visual culture, and the African diaspora.
Event Information
Opening Reception: November 5, 2026
Location: Consulate General of Brazil in New York, 225 East 41st Street, New York, NY
On View: Through December 2026
Event venue & nearby stays
Consulate General of Brazil in New York, 225 East 41st Street, New York, United States
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