Maria Auxiliadora da Silva (1935 Campo Belo - 1974 São Paulo) Brazilian Candomblé dancer Dark-skinned dancer depicted on a bright blue background in a complementary red, wide, floral-patterned dress, headdress and veiled face. Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, who was self-taught, still epitomises Afro-Brazilian art for many today. In her paintings, often with dense textures, she celebrated self-confident femininity and, apart from herself, essentially depicted the following themes: everyday community life and popular events in São Paulo, especially in impoverished, predominantly black neighbourhoods such as Brasilândia and Casa Verde; Afro-Brazilian religions and rites (such as Candomblé), intimacy and affection between women. She experimented with various materials, developed a unique visual language and, in the early 1970s, a hybrid style between painting and relief. After her first exhibitions in Brazil in 1968, the artist became internationally recognised in the 1970s. Mixed media/paper. Signed and dated lower right. Inscribed in Brazilian on verso; 20.7 cm x 18.2 cm. Frame. Mixed media on paper. Signed and dated 1969. Inscribed in Brazilian on the reverse.