Last evening I had the pleasure to attend an Art Show and Reception held for the artist Elon Brasil.

It was held in the new Manhattanville Student Center at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. The Show is “Ancestors - Art as Social Awareness.” This is the first time his work has been exhibited by a University.

What the show made us aware of is the contrast of the natives of the rainforests stepping into the modern civilization of Sao Paolo, Brazil. There are beautiful children with their carved and painted cheeks in total amazement as they view the city scenes. It could be any city in the world. You see the wonder and feel the loss of innocence.

They are mostly paintings but one is a painting plus a collage - the one from the invitation which I have featured here. The collage components are newspaper articles dealing with modern strife: international conflict, financial problems and war. This is juxtaposed around the large tranquil face of the native Brazilian. Serving as the cheek carvings and painting of ancient times the articles with their horizontal lines have the same effect. Meaning? Perhaps we are all etched by the strife of modern life imposed not by a familiar hand but by society.

He is a resident of Sao Paolo, Brazil and SoHo in NYC. His art is in the private collections of Samuel L. Jackson, “Magic” Johnson, Forest Whitaker and Don Cheadle among many others. He became known while in residence in Switzerland and is in both private and museum collections around the world.

It was a lovely catered event and I enjoyed meeting current M’ville students and even met two girls that had graduated from my other Alma Mater - Our Lady of Victory Academy in Dobbs Ferry, New York. I am also planning an event with the Alumni Association. I am hoping to have them come for a tour, concert and tea at Caramoor in my current home of Katonah, New York.

The show runs until April the 10th, 2009.

Yes, I was an Art History Major at Manhattanville.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom