Antonio Obá (b. 1983, Ceilândia, Brazil) explores the intersections of body, spirituality and Afro-Brazilian identity. Working across painting, sculpture, photography and performance, his practice investigates how personal and collective histories are constructed, concealed and ritualized within Brazilian society.
Obá studied Visual Arts at the University of Brasília. His work draws on a wide range of references, including Candomblé, Umbanda and Catholic iconography, as well as popular culture and colonial history. Through recurring symbols, such as the body, religious objects and everyday materials, he constructs layered images that question systems of belief and racial narratives.
In recent years, Obá has gained international recognition through exhibitions that foreground the political and spiritual dimensions of his work. His presentation in the Brazilian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2022) marked a significant moment in his career, situating his practice within a broader global dialogue on race, history and representation.
His work has been exhibited in institutions across Brazil, Europe and the United States, including solo presentations at leading contemporary art spaces and participation in major international exhibitions. Obá’s works are held in important public and private collections, such as the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo and international collections that continue to support and expand the visibility of his practice.