Opened in 09/17, at the Museu da Vida da Fiocruz (Museum of Fiocruz’s Life), the exhibition “The body in African art”, a realization of Casa Oswaldo Cruz (COC/Fiocruz) and the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), with support from the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ). The exhibition is part of the project “Science, health and art in Africa” supported by Fiotec that besides the exhibition, also has a series of conferences and roundtables.

There are 140 works of art exhibited, collected by researchers Wilson Savino, Win Degrave, Rodrigo Corrêa de Oliveira and Paul Sabroza. The photographs, sculptures and objects are divided into five modules: individual body and multiple bodies, sexuality and motherhood, body modification and decoration, the body in the decoration of objects and masks as cultural manifestation.

During the opening, those involved in the organization spoke about the importance of this exhibition. After all, much is said of the relationship between health and art, but that is the practical proof. Some even got emotional while expressing satisfaction of being able to contribute with such cultural statement, always emphasizing that science and art go hand in hand.

The Project Analysts Gabriela Smith and Renata Corrêa represented Fiotec at the ceremony. At the time, the Project Coordinator, Luisa Massarani, commented on the support of the institution. “It is a project with very high costs, so it is very important to have Fiotec managing the resources”, she said.

Fiocruz-Africa Cooperation

It was from the cooperation with African countries that they came up with the idea of the exhibition. Besides establishing ties in the areas of education, science and health, some Brazilian researchers, who participate in the missions in Africa, fell in love with African art. The intention is to show the public an image of the continent, inspired by its artistic creativity versus the image that is usually portrayed: poverty and misery.

The exhibition not only celebrates the Fiocruz-Africa cooperation success, but marks the adoption, by the Brazilian National Congress, of the opening of the first international office of Fiocruz, located in Maputo, capital of Mozambique.

Visit the exhibition

Those interested in knowing a little about African culture can visit the Museu da Vida until early 2013, Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00 to 16:30, by appointment. On Saturday, visitation is free and can be held from 10:00 to 16:00. Free of charge. Information and appointment can be made by the telephone (21) 2590-6747 or by e-mail  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..br.