Rogério Pinto: "Colorism" at Duderstadt Gallery

Colorism, a new exhibition by Professor Rogério Pinto that celebrates diversity and inclusivity through art and conversation, is on view through March 12 at the U‑M Duderstadt Center Gallery.

Colorism comprises works of video, still photography, sculpture, and audience interaction, questioning our psychosocial and biological ideas about skin color and treatment of people based on skin tones, including within racial groups. 

“The inspiration to build ​‘Colorism’ came from growing up in Brazil, the youngest of eight children with varying skin colors that changed dramatically from one season to the next,” said Pinto. ​“I witnessed the grotesque manner in which those with darker skin were treated in Brazil, which turned out to be how I’ve been treated in the U.S. as a ​‘person of color.’ My exhibit questions how human beings came to use the largest and most beautiful organ of the body to attach social and cultural value to some people and denigrate others. I use art and science to create video, photograph, and sculptural elements to defy misconceptions and make fun of how skin color has been treated in scientific and social circles to separate rather than unite us.” 

Colorism: An Exhibition by Rogerio M. Pinto
February 14 – March 12, 2025
Duderstadt Center Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI