Brazilian artist's anti-colonialism work resonates with Chinese audience

Viewers are greeted by works containing historical references the moment they enter the exhibit.

For example, in Bathers No. 3 – Snooping, on display in the museum's Gallery 5, three expressionless black youths swim in an emerald pool with their heads above water, exactly like the alligator swimming next to them. The piece is inspired by a photo from the 1960s showing a white motel manager in Florida pouring acid into the pool to get black protesters out when the American Civil Rights Movement was in full swing.

Rao also noted that the photo of black babies in the painting alludes to the historical fact that because of slavery, African American babies were portrayed and used as alligator bait in some places in America. Yet, art critics commented portraying his subjects like the ferocious alligators, Oba channeled agency and power into them.