Brasil is art, now that is a bold statement. I suppose because art is inherently subjective, but it’s true. Everywhere you look, you can see art: on the streets, in the leaves, in people’s faces and of course, in exhibitions which legitimise and promote certain artistic expressions. This post explores art through the themes of religion, nature, exhibitions and people.
Nature
Brasil is epic in size and equally as impressive and at times overwhelming in its biodiversity. You have to remember, I come from a tiny island called England, that although incredibly beautiful, is petite in comparison.
Religion
Perhaps not a word often associated with art, but for me, there is art in prayer, in pulpits, in devotion and the obvious iconography.
Exhibitions: real art?
I pose the question, as art is truly in the eye of the beholder. However, I was very fortunate enough to experience some so-called real art in some of Rio’s thought-provoking, sometimes disturbing and varied exhibitions and museums.
The people
And finally, as cliche as it may be, the art of Brasil can also be seen in its people: their faces, their smiles, their love, their dance and their song.
An Activist Abroad 
These are beautiful pictures and offer a glimpse of somewhere I have no intention of visiting. It is beautiful, and it might well be the case that you are more able to see beauty than I am. But the violence. And the breaking poverty. Is it our duty to see beauty even amongst difficulty? Or can the difficulty erode the beauty. Hm. not sure.
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Some of the art I’ve included centres on people’s well-placed anger at the corruption and poverty in Brasil. Check out in particular Berna Reale’s incredible work.http://bernareale.com/home.html It is definitely a country replete with problems but I don’t think Brasilians want to see themselves just as that, hence my appreciation for the country’s artistry. It’s everywhere. Thanks for your comment Rob, and lovely to hear from you again. I’m off to the park to read one of the hundreds of books I could have should have been reading since I was offered a place at the University of Bristol to do my PGCE!!! Ah well, crack on I must. I hope you’re very well.
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Many thanks Layla. And very best of luck with your PGCE. I worked at Bristol – the first academic job I had and loved it. It’s a great city and plenty of things to photograph.
You make good points re self-identity and Brazil. Very true. Why would they and why should they. I think I’m suffering from being jaded by how corrupt the world currently seems – both corrupt in the sense we’d normally understand it, and in terms of values. So, ignore me!
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I won’t ignore you Rob, but thanks for the suggestion! Personally, I’d recommend travelling to some of the places that we hear are dogged by corruption (you could start in London if you like) and open your eyes to the landscapes and people that fill these places. It helped me to reconnect with humanity again, and to see that although people can be terrible, there are many many more that aren’t. Ad for Bristol, it is a beautiful city. I’m very happy to be here!
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