Efrain Almeida’s “O Jardim” (The Garden) is an immersive exploration of memory and nature, transforming the austere concrete walls of the Oscar Niemeyer Museum into a vibrant, nostalgic garden. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in the backlands of Ceará, Almeida creates a whimsical world populated by carved wooden creatures that seem to dance and sing within the exhibition space. Through a rich tapestry of sculptures, paintings, and embroideries, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the intimate beauty and profound significance of the natural world.
Almeida’s artistic journey began in his father’s workshop, where he first discovered the tactile and expressive power of wood. This early experience has shaped his enduring fascination with organic forms and textures. The hummingbird, a recurring motif in his work, takes center stage in “O Jardim.” With its iridescent plumage and rapid-fire wings, the tiny bird becomes a symbol of resilience, connection, and the infinite potential found within the smallest of creatures. As Almeida eloquently states, the hummingbird represents “rainbows, water, and the spirit of the forest,” serving as a bridge between the individual and the collective, the past and the present.
More info: James Harris Gallery, MON.
