Over the course of two weeks, she used charcoal and dry pastels in a kaleidoscope of colors to produce an immersive work filled with bird-like figures, swirling lines, and abstract shapes. The drawing, which reaches heights of over 26 feet, is both energetic and contemplative, inviting viewers to engage with its vibrant, restless composition. Accompanying this large-scale piece are two sculptures that further explore themes of transformation and the ephemeral nature of life.
Wings of Change: Tadáskía's U.S. Solo Debut at MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art is currently hosting Brazilian artist Tadáskía's first solo show in the United States, as a profound exploration of transformation, identity, and spirituality. At the core of the exhibition is her expansive work on paper, ave preta mística, mystical black bird (2022), a recent acquisition by MoMA. This 61-page unbound book weaves together a fantastical narrative of "winged transformation," featuring vibrant, freeform drawings paired with poetic bilingual text. The story follows a mystical black bird, or ave preta, through a journey across earthly and divine realms, echoing the artist's own experiences as a Black trans woman.
The MoMA exhibition features a monumental wall drawing created by the multidisciplinary artist on-site specifically for the museum’s street-level gallery. Tadáskía’s approach is improvisational and fluid, with each piece reflecting a sense of ongoing transformation. The artist begins her creative process with closed eyes, channeling a spiritual connection that guides her mark-making. This method results in dynamic compositions where shapes and forms are in constant flux, reflecting her belief in the passage from one state to another rather than a fixed or final image.
Tadáskía's work is not just about personal transformation but also speaks to broader themes of communal liberation. The mystical black bird, a recurring motif in her work, symbolizes freedom and the possibility of transcending boundaries. This symbol is deeply rooted in her Afro-Indigenous background and resonates with the ‘Sankofa’, a mythical bird from Akan culture that represents the importance of remembering one’s past while moving forward.
This exhibition at MoMA, in collaboration with the Studio Museum in Harlem, marks a pivotal moment in Tadáskía's career. At just 30 years old, she has already made a significant impact on the international art scene, with her work featured at Art Basel. An artist to follow closely!
On show at MoMA until October 14, 2024