Bruno Matteo

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Bruno Matteo, photographer, born in 1994 (nineteen ninety-four), in the city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. Between the sea and the city, he grew up exploring the world and the histories around it. Passionate about art since he was a child, one of his childhood hobbies was looking at family albums with old photos that his mother stored in boxes. With a curious and always attentive profile, the little one also already liked to watch the VHS records made by his mother.^[1]

Studies and the love for photography[edit]

At the age of 16 (sixteen), he started a course in Microscopy at UNISANTA (Santa Cecília University) in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, since he wished to understand the mysteries of the laboratories. Matteo also studied law at Santa Cecília University and visual arts at Anhembi Morumbi University, in São Paulo, SP, the capital city of that state.

Matteo studied photography with several professionals, including the famous Brazilian photographer Jorge Bispo, in the city of Rio de Janeiro; discovering, then, the Fine Art world.

A kind teacher photographer told him this sentence: “Art, to be art, needs to be discussed.” And that motivated him to publish his photos and present his work to people. He started, then, to sell his pictures.

At the same time, Matteo was hired to work with commercial photography, travelled Brazil taking pictures of famous singers in their tours, celebrities like actors from Brazilian soap operas in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, states where most of the episodes are filmed.

The artist conducted lectures, created projects and exposed his work in galleries, spaces of art, and unlikely spaces; was a columnist in Mais Santos, Mais Sampa, Mais Rio de Janeiro, and Mais Influente Business Magazines, from Mais Communication Group.

The photographer is currently known for having a unique and exclusive work, as each photograph has a particular look. In Matteo´s photos it is possible to identify elements that unite, making true works of art, printed on paper, the sky that mixes with the earth or the sea, while looks, people, gestures, and constructions mix up with the city, establishing poetry, calm and silence in the middle of the rush from urban routine.

His Fine Art works are inkjet print using mineral pigment; include a certificate of authenticity with watermark, numbered holograms, and papers carefully selected; allowing, thus, the works of art to pass from father to son, keeping the aesthetic beauty for the generations to come.^[2]

Projects ^[3][edit]

The Brazilianess of Bahia, the Bahianess of Brazil[edit]

The Brazilianess of Bahia, the Bahianess of Brazil, for Pierre Verger Foundation where the artist gathers photographs with a diversity in themes and aesthetic quality about Salvador, Bahia, from the Bahian woman’s smile to the roofs in Pelourinho.

The images that make up this photo shooting portray the reality of Bahia in a pre-pandemic era: a place full of good people, happy people, warriors and who, even in the midst of life's adversities, never lose the elegance of soul (goodness, love and respect for the world we live in and for all of us). Therefore, they have faith that things will always get better.

The photos highlight symbolic elements of the city through architectural and cultural aspects expressed by the houses and their roofs, which come together to tell the distant history of the first Brazilian capital, and by the docked boats and navigators in high sea; who – when they bravely depart – recall the old popular song: “Lonely sailor, who taught you to swim? Either it was the overturn of the ship, or it was the rocking of the sea”.

More than an affectionate homage to the northeastern state, this series is a cultural and poetic portrait built on the heartbeat of a mere Bahian at heart, born in Santos.

Eyes that smile ^[4][edit]

Eyes that smile, a campaign for the consciousness about the importance of mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, caused a great repercussion in the Brazilian press, like: tv, newspapers and magazines. Thanks to the media, the project reached NGO Verter, that takes care of careless people´s eyes in all Brazil. The photographer became a volunteer in the NGO, taking the project not only to the press, but also to exposure at Art Lab Gallery, on the international photography day, where the photographer gave a lecture about the importance of the social photography; exposition at Drosophyla House, and different subway and train stations in São Paulo, for six months.^[5]

The pandemic caused by COVID- 19 has brought to the world a wave of uncertainty and fear that has been plaguing people in the most remote locations since mid-2019, when China released an alert to the World Health Organization (WHO) about a mysterious pneumonia that arose in the city of Wuhan.

In addition to a new global health crisis that has been killing more than two million people, many events take place in the daily news: natural disasters in different parts of the globe, rumors of new wars and political and humanitarian crisis. And it is in the midst of this chaotic scenario that a breath comes up: a manifest of love and hope, born out of the eyes of the photographer Bruno Matteo.

Olhos que Sorriem (“Eyes that Smile”) is an artistic expression settled on the understanding that the use of masks is an effective preventive act in the fight against the coronavirus and, still, represents not only the duty of each citizen when facing a health problem, but also an act of love and solidarity. Thus, the project documents people who even in chaos have not lost their faith and smile. Smile that has been expressed in a very subtle way: only with the eyes, when there is care for yourself and for others.

The images of this project were photographed in the states of São Paulo and Bahia and shows brazilians who continue to believe that there is no virus, disease, lack of empathy or barrier greater than the force that comes from the union in favor of goodness.

Settled on the belief that every crisis is capable of changing paths, the photographic concept seeks lightness and “visual poetry” to translate the message that says that only respect and love for others can awaken a new collective conscience rooted in union and selflessness.

The manifest Olhos que Sorriem also assumes that there will still be bales after this “apocalyptic” scenario caused - especially - by the disease and argues that the values built in the current context will guide humanity to deal with problems in the future. Thus, the objective of the work is that - upon contact with this photographic series - people get to be inspired to continue believing in better days and be encouraged to continue practicing empathy and care for others around them.

After all, this is just how, soon, many people will be able to embrace again without risks or fear of smiling at each other not only with shy, protected and protective eyes, but with the whole body and the whole hearts.

All applicable security measures were adopted to carry out this project. Thus, we encourage the use of a masks and hand sanitizer, as well as social distance, to prevent coronavirus.^[6]

Eyes that smile and Verter[edit]

Eyes that Smile and the look that transforms lives: a partnership between Bruno Matteo and Instituto Verter that was born from the desire to make a difference

Bruno Matteo’s “Olhos que Sorriem” arose from the photographer’s desire to bring hope, awareness and care to others, in the form of artistic manifestation, amid the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic. “The look that transforms lives” by Instituto Verter has been working for more than 16 years with eye health care for needy people throughout Brazil. Both projects have their trajectory marked by the search for smiles in people's eyes and by seeking to extract what is most beautiful within each gaze. Each in their own way. Now, the two have decided to unite in a merger that intends to take love and care for others even further.

Bruno Matteo, now a volunteer at Instituto Verter, will imprint his unique look on the records of actions carried out by the Institute, bringing them to the attention of even more people. Soon, other news about the partnership will be released.

Born in April 2021, as a breath in the midst of chaos and a manifestation of awareness about caring for others, the series “Olhos que Sorriem”, by photographer Bruno Matteo, brings a human look at a current and necessary topic: the use of of masks. The project features photographs of people from different profiles and states in Brazil, wearing face protection masks against Covid-19.

“Olhos que Sorriem” seeks, through visual poetry, to emphasize that wearing a mask goes far beyond being mandatory: it is a manifestation of love and empathy for others. From the moment we wear our masks, we are protecting not only ourselves, but everyone around us. Through art, this project aims to register that smile that is so subtle, expressed only through the eyes, but that is loaded with optimism and such an important meaning: the promise of better days, from the exercise of empathy.

The campaign made the public aware of the importance of complying with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the prevention of Covid-19 and, thanks to its artistic and social role, achieved great media coverage.

Eyes That Smile in the Media[edit]

The project was highlighted in several renowned programs on Brazilian television, such as: Encontro com Fátima Bernardes and G1 em 1 Minute on and Gabriel Cartolano on SBT, Balanço Geral on Record, Caderno Regional on TV Santa Cecília and Newspaper Brasil Hoje from TV Pai Eterno.

In addition, "Olhos que Sorriem" also gained space in newspapers such as^[7]

Verter Institute[edit]

Founded in May 2005, Instituto Verter is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help change the reality of eye health in Brazil. With the support of volunteers, the NGO performs services with mobile offices around Brazil, educational actions on the subject, glasses donation campaigns, development of teaching and research and plans for improvements in public policies. The Institute's focus is to promote knowledge and provide assistance at primary and secondary care levels with a focus on inclusion and early diagnosis of eye diseases, completely transforming the reality of people who would not otherwise have this opportunity.

As a result of more than 16 years of activity, the Verter Institute has already delivered more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work to society, 15,000 donated eyeglasses, 600 surgeries performed, 200 registered volunteers and more than 40,000 people assisted.^[8]

Initiatives carried out by the Institute[edit]

See at school: the project, which has already carried out more than 25,000 consultations and had already donated more than 3,000 glasses by 2019, aims to combat one of the biggest causes of school dropout: low vision. Uncorrected refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia) are the main cause of visual impairment in schoolchildren, not only in Brazil, but in the rest of the world. After the pandemic, the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology reported a 39% increase in cases of myopia in children and adolescents in offices. Aware of this reality, the institute's volunteers take information on the subject and provide services to schools, transforming the lives of children and adolescents. Over time, the project also extended to early childhood, taking screening at the primary care level and combating visual impairment for children from poor communities who are under 4 years old.

Promotions of Ocular Health Lectures: the transformation also involves the dissemination of knowledge. For this reason, the Verter Institute has lecture programs that can be presented to companies and institutions with a focus on the prevention of diseases and caused blindness, such as: glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes, as well as the use of technology and screens and consequences on health. eye. The institute also acts in the training of health agents and professionals who work in the ophthalmological area, through technical courses.

Social innovation, teaching and research projects: The Institute, as a civil society organization, aims to contribute to changes and improvements in public policies related to access to ophthalmology. The organization manages the Ophthalmological Research Center of the H.Olhos Group, which aims to qualify professionals and generate technical and practical knowledge through clinical studies and clinical trials developed in a multicentric way. The studies of the Ophthalmological Research Center promote efficient and innovative ophthalmological solutions, in a personalized and comprehensive way.

Solidarity amid the pandemic[edit]

Due to the need for social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, the projects carried out by the Verter Institute, which used to have more than 30 volunteers, had to be suspended for safety reasons. But the transformation didn't stop! The institute continued to take care of others through awareness actions at subway stations, production of table displays to strengthen projects aimed at favoring people with low vision, donations of masks and, with a focus on fighting hunger, created the Project A look at hunger that ranges from the donation of basic food baskets to the delivery of lunchboxes with partners that reduce some of the suffering of homeless people. Verter had the opportunity to participate in projects that aim to support the division of profits in case of a book launch by an ophthalmologist, in addition to other partnerships that aim to further expand this vision of transformation.^[9]

Mansa Musa: Majestic, Historical and Black[edit]

Mansa Musa: Majestic, Historical and Black, a project that was born to bring the history of a king who was recognized by Forbes, Money and Times magazines as the first absolute place in the major fortunes in humanity history. For this project, a gold crown was made inspired by the Djinguereber Mosque, in Timbuktu, Mali. The project also received support from São Paulo state government being exposed for nine months in subway and train stations in São Paulo capital, Brazil. The project is currently receiving support from the European Union.^[10]

The history of king Mansa Musa Keita I (1280-1337) (twelve eighty - thirteen thirty-seven) is very interesting and relates directly to the history of humanity, even in economic, cultural and religious aspects.

This ancient king took over Mali, which was a kingdom of moderate wealth, and transformed it into a true empire. From his focus, actions to accumulate gold and his skills of trade and expansion, Mansa Musa transformed his kingdom.

Musa’s fortune comes precisely from the amount of gold and salt in the Mali region, which is almost impossible to measure. Economists and historians believe that his fortune easily exceeded 3 trillion dollars.

Mansa Musa is recognized by Forbes, Money and Times magazine as the absolute first place in the ranking of the greatest fortunes in history. The richest man of all times! Nowadays, if we compare, Elon Musk is the richest man with an approximately fortune of 190 (one hundred and ninety) billion dollars, which is far from what our Mansa Musa had.

Mansa Musa was one of the first African leaders to convert to Islam. And since every good Muslim once in his life has to go to Mecca, the city of the prophet Mohammed in Saudi Arabia, this is exactly what Mansa did! This pilgrimage is remembered as one of the emblematic reminders of his richness. The emperor took with him a caravan that presumably contained 60.000 (sixty thousand) people and 12.000 (twelve thousand) followers. It was the largest gathering of people traveling the globe. All wearing silk. They brought with them horses, camels and pots of gold dust.

His fortune was such that during his passage through Egypt, the king of kings (the meaning of his name) left so much gold that it caused an inflation in the country. It took the Egyptians about 20 (twenty) years to restructure their economy. On this pilgrimage Mansa became so enthusiastic about his faith that he hired Arab architects to take with him to his kingdom and build several universities and mosques. In these places, studies of different subjects - like Medicine and even of Islam itself were carried out. Mansa even took descendants of the prophet Mohammed himself to bless his reign.

The emperor also encouraged art. He brought to the kingdom burnt clay, which was previously unknown in Africa, for new constructions, causing a cultural boom - by motivating art, creating many sculptures. Some of these mosques are still standing today, as imposing memories that refuse to let the splendor of their ancestors fall into oblivion and evidence of all the legacy of Mansa Musa.

Among them is the famous Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu (Mali). It is the largest adobe building in the world and is also considered by many architects to be the greatest achievement of the Sudano-Sahelian style. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

His territory included what today represents today 9 African countries, the current territory of Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania. An area of approximately 1.2 million km2 (square kilometers) – His reign is considered Mali’s most developed era. The expansion of his empire made Africa one of the main trade routes in the Middle Ages. After 25 years as emperor - Mansa Musa died in 1337 (thirteen thirty-seven) and was succeeded by his son Maghan I. To this day, the emperor’s legacy persists: there are mausoleums, museums, libraries and mosques that testify to Mali’s so-called “golden age”.

His figure is so important that in 1375 (thirteen seventy-five), Mansa was illustrated and recognized for his incalculable gold fortune in the Catalan Atlas, which is considered one of the most important cartographic documents of the Middle Ages.

But with this repercussion that Mansa Musa had with the Atlas, the eyes of the world looked at Mali. What caused Mali to be invaded, divided, plundered, having its historical, important documents and books burned.

Even with his influence and fortune, after colonization and Atlantic slave trade, Mansa Musa’s history was marginalized and underrated. But let us be aware that we are sons and daughters of African kings. We are heirs of the mother cradle, the origin of all humanity. We all come from Africa. The colonizing narrative we have been told tends to include blacks who are slaves to an oppressive world. However, Mansa Musa is free. He is Muslim. He is Black. He is King. And he is our history.

Knowing his history was my greatest motivation. Many kings of ancient times themselves believed that after the plague period, beauty would come. And this has not changed for the current period. In the midst of the pandemic scenery we have lived, the work of art “Mansa Musa: majestic, historical and black” arises to bring light like visual poetry to the world. We understand the importance of bringing a historical and artistic project with representation of a black African man, owner of the greatest fortune in human history.

The young representative of Mansa Musa in this photo shooting is, like many of us, an ancestor of the great emperor, and his countryman, as well as a brother in faith. Like Mansa, he was born in Mali, is a Muslim, and carries within himself the pride of his noble origin and blood.

More than 700 (seven hundred) years after Mansa Musa’s death, Mali is still in war, with troops from several countries like: the USA, France, Israel, in a chaotic scenery. Mali also has the presence of UN (United Nations Organization) with MINUSMA Program (Multidimensional and integrated mission for stabilization of United Nations in Mali) one of the most important United Nations missions of peace in the world.

Facing that difficult situation, the young man has taken refuge in Brazil. He has been living in São Paulo for 9 years. Today he works as a cocconut vendor at Aclimacão Park, in the capital city of São Paulo state. São Paulo is the 4 (fourth) largest metropolis in the world.^[11]

For the conception of this project, we counted with the designer Enzo Sobocinski who created the gold crown, inspired in the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu – Mali, major Mansa Musa’s construction, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage.

Data from IBGE (Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics) show that 54% (Fifty-four percent) of the Brazilian population is black.^[12]

NYC: The punk glam city[edit]

New York - Many are the ways of describing the city that never sleeps. As are existing possibilities in this, that is the most famous metropolis in the western world. With 8,4 million inhabitants and its different districts - among them: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island - it had already been the scenario of famous movies and series, it conquered people’s imagination, was the theme of songs, and today keeps being the desire of tourists and curious ones.

With an amazing cultural diversity spread all over its five corners New York keeps glances, expressions, constructions and so many other beauties. That can be unseen in the middle of the everyday rush and the noise that goes off from the hectic daily life. And it is in the heart of the United States of America. Between the glam and the punk where NYC emerges, the city is a great amusement park that never closes. A vertical and futuristic park like The Vessel. Part park, part art. This way, I can describe my sensation by experiencing this place, of light, strength and beauty. Its constructions that don’t stop reveal the new, and receive anybody, be that a jew, catholic or even a passionate evangelist in Harlem. Here, you can contemplate Chrysler Building with its 319 (three hundred nineteen) meters and its architecture in Art Déco style. The building was built in 1930 (nineteen thirty) as a symbol of superiority and magnificence of Chrysler cars, and it was considered the highest building in the city and the world.

Surpassing even the Eiffel Tower (France) with 300 (three hundred) meters.

Van Allen, its architect, considered it a decorative jewel with a glass crown. In the city, there are also the guardians of Grand Central Station - who have protected it for 150 (one hundred and fifty) years and keep it as the major railroad station in the world - and Chelsea neighborhood ( and I have a friend who lives in a mansion in Chelsea with fifteen rooms and she is very funny. I met her in Ibiza after lunch in a restaurant at “Lips Beach Club” – I highly recommend- it is on the beach, and we arranged to go to Pacha dance party, the most famous in Ibiza. When we arrived, there was a very long line but she didn´t want to stay in line so she called me to go with her to the entrance: “Come with me, Bruno”, asking people to open way, and when we were at the door, she called the responsible for Pacha and spoke to him: “I am Carolina Rivero from NYC and this is my friend Bruno Matteo, from Brazil and we want to enter this house but we want a special reception from you”. So Pacha immediately offered the bracelet to the backstage and the VIP box, behind the main DJ for free!!! This was amazing!) Back to the text, Chelsea decorates NY with its combinations of houses, mansions, short buildings, luxury apartments, and popular attractions like High Line: an elevated park built on old railway tracks (a type of pedestrian bridge that is huge).

In deactivated factories more than 200 (two hundred) galleries are installed like The Shed - where I took a photo taking advantage of its glassy wall, and there are people. Everywhere. On the sidewalks, they walk from one side to the other many times, in a hurry. One of the registers present in this shooting shows two options to the same destination. In the middle of such energy, it is possible to breathe contemplating the gracious (awesome) nature of Central Park - with its lagoon full of life which reflects the skyscrapers showing also a city underwater. Around is Madison Avenue - named after James Madison, the fourth US president, with a one-way drive, and countless stores, galleries, and offices of various fashion brands. In one of the photos, we can follow the steps of a young woman on Fifth Avenue - known as the millionaire’s row at the beginning of the twentieth century because of the fact that New Yorkers who were the richest ones had built all their mansions with privileged view to Central Park. ^[13]

Miami to Key West: Under the glittering lights of the “Sunshine State”[edit]

A mix of history, natural beauties, art and cultural diversity. That's what made Florida, the “sunshine state,” such a coveted tourist spot. Much of this charm is due to Miami, a unique city that has particularities that make it worthy of being the Hollywood setting of “Scarface” and “Miami Vice”.

Miami is a synonymous of golden beach life. Be that in the imposing white sand of South Beach. In the contagious green of the palm trees that surround the city's various beaches and rise against the clouds. In the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean, which appears right in front of some of Miami beaches and makes a point of blending into the blue of the sky. Or in the colorful and cheerful shapes of the legendary lifeguard posts that, from above, have watched the ocean for decades and keep so many stories.

Miami is also a synonymous of art, in its most varied forms of manifestation. Starting with the Art Deco that in all its luxury, colors, shapes and volumes, can be found from the lifeguard stations on the beaches to the dazzling buildings with their large neon letters and their parallel lines, unmistakable characteristics of this artistic movement that found home in Miami. The colorful and geometric buildings of the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach are among the city's unmissable attractions and constitute a valuable architectural heritage.

Art in Miami is not only expressed in old buildings. It is rooted in its residents and visitors who color the walls of the Wynwood Art District with creativity and passion. So that the neighborhood is considered one of the greatest exponents of street art in the world, with works signed by artists from at least 16 different countries.

Miami is a synonymous of cultural diversity. Of course, such an artistic city could only be so with a mixture of origins, cultures and knowledges. Miami is considered the city with the greatest Latino influence in the state of Florida and this influence is even manifested in the local language: Spanish is also an official language there. Diversity is present even in the name of the city, which refers to one of the tribes that populated the region between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Miami is also a synonymous of divine landscapes and you don't have to go that far to find them. In a two-hour drive, on a bridge built over the crystalline immensity of the ocean, you can reach Key West, the last paradise island among the Florida Keys, a group of islands that stretch over 150 km. Among all of them, Key West is considered the bluest sea island on the south and east coast of the United States. No wonder, it caught my attention and was one of the inspirations for this photo shooting.

There I found magnificent birds that serenely fly over the sky and sea in a perfect portrait of freedom. They fly determinedly towards the blue horizon as if they know exactly where they are going. Those who appear in this photograph appeared to be playing and having fun with each other, among the dry leaves that color the sea with a radiant orange tone.

Miami is beautiful in all its expressions and details. In all its lights and in the warm climate that surrounds the region for almost 300 days a year. In Miami, the weather is not bad, after all, from January to January, its bright lights never cease to shine and enchant those who pass by them.

Savannah: A walk through the memories of the city of ghosts.[edit]

Savannah is just 450 kilometers away from the magical and fun Orlando of theme parks. It's as if a four-hour trip transported us to a completely different world. A more mysterious world, less popular among Brazilian tourists, but equally enchanting, with a lot of stories to tell. So, I decided to take a tour through the memories of the historic site that marks the birth of the state of Georgia.

First of all, I need to tell you that Savannah is known as the city of ghosts, where every day is Halloween, since its foundation in 1733. Its more than 50 supposedly haunted houses, 80 cemeteries and 30 tourist routes about its eerie legends help the city maintain its reputation as the world capital of spirits and paranormal events. But, don't be alarmed, this fame is far from making Savannah an inhospitable place. On the contrary, it is part of its charm. After all, a place that spans over 300 years of history would certainly have its ghosts.

And Savannah's history, tied to Georgia's creation history, whispers with every step we take through the city streets. Whether in the strolling through the large moss-covered oaks found in any of Savannah's 22 beautiful squares, or in one of its many historic sculptures that seem to be watching us intently, like watchers. Or the old brick buildings that remain like a glimpse of days gone by when Savannah was still a cotton market.

History is still present in the many tombs scattered throughout the city, which keep the rest of those who saw Savannah born, grow and rebuild amid catastrophes, fires and even after the American Civil War. If there's one thing Savannah knows how to do with dexterity and mastery, is to reinvent itself in the face of adversity, lovingly guarding every aspect and every memory of its history. Then, the city keeps for itself the privilege of having the largest collection of historical points in the United States.

In Savannah, the historic and contemporary can still be identified in art form. The city is surrounded by theaters, cinemas, exhibitions and sculptures. Like the ones I photographed, in shades of red, which, in my opinion, manage to mirror the unique essence of this such intense city.

Part of the history also seems to be inherent in some of the unique residents of Georgia's oldest city. Like this gentleman, who, in the era of smartphones and social networks, prefers to enjoy a cigarette among the trees, in the company of an old partner: his battery-operated radio.

In Savannah, the weather is mild year-round. Therefore, at any time, you can enjoy and live each of the experiences that this incredible place has to offer. And, who knows, you might also be lucky enough to contemplate a beautiful sunset on the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, like the one I was lucky enough to capture.

Santiago do Chile: A meeting between contemporary and past in the rush of Santiago do Chile[edit]

With its nearly 6.5 million inhabitants, the fifth most populous city in South America seems to be in a constant frenzy of people rushing towards their own destiny day after day. But amidst the daily hustle and bustle of such a grand metropolis, Santiago do Chile is a destination that brings together the contemporary, the past, art and development, in a unique way within its borders.

Santiago do Chile is one of the most developed destinations in South America. Wooded, large, with an enviable subway system that covers practically the entire city, and varied tourist spots, the capital of Chile will be a perfect destination, regardless of the type of tourist you are. For me, it was flawless.

Starting with the vestiges of the past that are present in the dazzling architectural projects of the city, ranging from historic buildings, to museums and sculptures that have instilled in each of their fragments the influence of neoclassical architecture. An example of this is Palacio de La Moneda, which is the true embodiment of Chilean history in building form.

The palace, where the seat of the country's presidency is located, is a landmark of the 1973 coup d'état, which culminated in Pinochet's takeover, in addition to being one of the main tourist attractions in Chile. I believe that it is unlikely to pass by the facade of the building without noticing the grandeur and nobility of its firm and straight lines, as in this photograph that I took during my visit to the city.

Despite the constant movement, in some parts of Santiago we can feel time stop amidst the serenity of trees and gardens, which look like true green hearts, full of beautiful yellow flowers that spill their petals to the ground in autumn, in a calm that contrasts with the remaining.^[14]

Nhanderu Rebguai: Sons of Silveira river. A Look at Ancestry.[edit]

Dark, straight hair. Brown skin. Faces, sometimes painted, that carry with them a portrait of history, culture and ancestry. The first children of Brazil are also children of the world, they are spread across 90 countries and represent at least five thousand different cultures.

They are also children of Silveira river. The Guarani Indigenous Reserve of Silveira river, is located 60 km from the historic center of São Sebastião, in the middle of the Atlantic Forest, and is home to about 70 families, divided into 5 nuclei.

The Nhaderu Rebguai nucleus is the most recent in the village. After meeting the residents of this nucleus, I don't think it's a coincidence that Nhaderu Rebguai means “messengers of God”. There I was warmly received by the innocent eyes of children who, even so small, already know very well who they are and where they came from. With their little bare feet running over the land that once belonged to their ancestors – which has so many histories to tell – they play and squander the joy and freedom that true intimacy with nature provides.

In their necklaces, painted faces and ornaments, I can see the portrait of those who were taught from an early age to value their roots. In their broad, carefree smiles at one another, I see the purity of a time when we knew happiness was in the bonds we build and the loyalty we have for ours. In the girl affectionately embracing her four-legged friend, I see the image of a person who celebrate fauna and flora as the sacred elements that they are. In these little kids, my lens saw virtues that are not found in just anyone. If only we could find it! But mainly, my lenses saw children. Just kids. Like yours and mine.

They had someone to learn every one of those details (that make up the uniqueness of the tribe) from. After all, the portrait of this village also reveals the sober and rigorous faces of the elders who reveal the wisdom of those who never lost their essence. They – who represent the pillars of respect and organization of any village – are responsible for the sacred mission of transmitting to the youngest the knowledge, customs and faith of their ancestors. Our ancestors.

Anyone who thinks they are outdated creatures, trapped in a remote past, is mistaken. Outdated is, in fact, not embracing the freedom to be as we are, respecting and cultivating our roots. And this, they fearlessly embrace! Technology is most welcome if it is to complement its own tradition, not erase it. Like this boy, who uses his cell phone as a reflection to finish his body painting.

They are not the past. They are belief, respect, loyalty, wealth, customs, hard and dignified work, ancestry and history. They are all that which is timeless and transcends the boarders of time. They are descendants of the first children of Brazil, reflecting our ancestry.

This photo shooting was born from the cultural wealth behind each child of the Nhaderu Rebguai nucleus – who represent the future and the distant, through the unshakable connection with their historical heritage – and is a tribute to the Brazilian sociocultural heritage that their roots symbolize.

Bonito: A destination worthy of the name it carries.[edit]

There is no better adjective to describe the city of Bonito than the name it boasts and honors with such mastery. Who baptized it certainly knew what was talking about. With about 22,000 inhabitants, the serene little town, located approximately 300 km from the capital Campo Grande - in Mato Grosso do Sul - may not be known to everyone, but it is certainly not forgotten by those who were lucky enough to know it.

Putting into words the exuberance of the nature spectacle that the city is, and the experience of walking through it is not an easy task, but I will try. I start by saying that it is no wonder that Bonito is on the list of the main ecotourism destinations in Brazil and South America. One of the many reasons for this is the splendor of its rivers and waterfalls.

Its waters, rich in limestone and magnesium - elements that make them so translucent that they reach an almost unbelievable shade of blue - are part of the inherent magic of the city. It is in Bonito that makes home to Sucuri River, considered the most crystalline one in Brazil. The vegetation of Bonito, in turn, leaves nothing to be desired, making the scenery perfect.

Near Pantanal, the city has a vegetation with transitions between areas of the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado. Therefore, by walking through Bonito, we can contemplate such a complementary combination between green and earthy tones. Every detail is worthy of a click.

To complete the landscape, its equally dazzling inhabitants come together, becoming a separate attraction: the nail monkey, the jaguar, the maned wolf, the sucuri, the giant anteater, the cattle, the Pantanal alligator and the dozens of fish species that roam the city's rivers.

And, of course, the macaws. In their most diverse colors and fascinating details, they steal the scene for themselves. Even recorded in one of my photographs, one of them posed for me and soon after landed on my shoulders with all its magnitude. Only in such a place can a macaw rest on your shoulders calmly as if it were an old acquaintance.

Starting with the fact that, as usual in Bonito, conservation is part of everything on the property, which has 55% of its total area reserved for environmental preservation. Within the farm, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful trails in Brazil, which goes through eight breathtaking waterfalls.

By setting foot in Bonito, I was able to understand perfectly well why its residents work so hard to preserve their biodiversity, from the sights to the city's private lodgings.

It was this biodiversity that brought me here and gave birth to this photo shooting. Walking through the vegetation, the many waterfalls and the impressively crystal clear waters of Bonito, reminded me that certain spectacles are reserved only for a “tropical country, blessed by God and beautiful by nature”, as Jorge Ben Jor would say.

The feeling of contemplating a landscape of Bonito is equivalent to being proud to carry green and yellow blood in the veins and to make sure that some paradises are closer than we think.

Port of Santos: From Santos to the world: the grandeur of the largest port in the southern hemisphere[edit]

The dusty wheels of the big trucks that rest on the gray concrete floor of the Port of Santos, without shine or pompous ornaments, give the false feeling that we are stepping into a modest and unpretentious place. Silly mistake of those who don't know the history that this concrete floor shelters. Those who know it would certainly say that adjectives like “imposing” and “historic” would be more appropriate to describe the largest port in the southern hemisphere, which makes its home on the coast of São Paulo and has its history directly linked to the development of our country.

As a Santista from birth and from the heart, it is a source of pride to have the opportunity to record this space that has so much to say about the formation and growth of my beloved Santos. That's why, when the idea for this photo shooting came to me, I looked for my dear friend and former co-worker, who I met in the heyday of working at Control Union, Vanessa Silva, who was promptly kind enough to help me get in touch with the partner who made this special moment possible. With the support of Transparency Logistics, we created this series of portraits that is nothing more than a tribute to this Santos heritage and its honorable workers, who made Santos a distinct point on the map.

Much has been transformed and modernized here since the coffee trade made Santos chosen to be home to the first organized port in Brazil, 126 years ago, when it was opened. Or, if we allow ourselves to be carried away by even more remote times, more than 400 years ago, when the port began its activities, in the 16th (sixteenth) century, still operating with rudimentary structures, such as the famous old piers and bridges planted in muddy land.

But, one thing has not changed over all these decades: its essence based on hard work and the power of social transformation that accompanies it. After all, today I'm not here to ennoble the sea or the pier, but the unique stories that are behind these warehouses and trucks parked side by side, which may not be common knowledge, but which move an entire city.

Currently, the piers give way to first-rate warehouses, patios, sheds and specialized terminals for the most varied types of goods, which have transformed that modest pier into a great economic power that makes about a third of the population of Santos live due to the Harbor. The movement of cargo that mobilizes these warehouses and fills these trucks breaks consecutive cargo records and makes the Port of Santos recurrently among the largest ports in the world.

Drosophyla: The curiosities behind the centennial house that has become one of the most prestigious bars in São Paulo[edit]

If for you "Drosophyla" is just another strange term that does not refer to anything very special, for sure, you need to pass by Nestor Pestana Street in Sao Paulo. The historic mansion that houses the Drosophyla, one of the hippest and most original bars in the city, does not pass unnoticed and already gives a hint of the curiosities stored between its four walls.

Where it all started[edit]

The businesswoman Lilian Varella, owner and creator of the bar concept, says that Drosophyla appeared in Belo Horizonte, on May 15, 1986, in a garage that had no toilet. “For people to go to the toilet, we had an agreement with the neighbor. We gave the toilet paper and he let people go. To go to the toilet, one had to walk about 500 steps and cross the street”, she has fun remembering.

Its concept, however, had begun to be traced much earlier, when Lilian was only 15 years old and found the term "Drosophyla," the scientific name of the so-called "fruit fly" in one of her biology books. Since then, Drosophyla has gone through seven different locations, including Belo Horizonte and São Paulo (Brazil). But of course, never losing its unique essence.

From one of these places, in particular, Lilian fondly remembers. “In 1992, we opened Drosophyla in a shed of the 1920s, near the Municipal Park, in Belo Horizonte. It was crazy! It was in this Drosophyla Shed that we launched Jota Quest. There were many shows. We also took Nando Reis and Ed Motta. Drosophyla has always been ahead of its time, has always been a vanguard bar. We always took a trend”, recalls the businesswoman.

“When you enter this house, it's a time travel” After pilgrimage in various corners, Drosophyla finally arrived at Nestor Pestana Street in Consolação (São Paulo). And its new home could not be more appropriate for the cultural climate of the bar. The building, listed as a historical heritage site, was closed for 25 years and underwent a major renovation work that lasted about a year and a half to become the unique place it is today. Lilian says that right away, she knew that was the right place: “When I saw this house and entered it, it was love at first sight. It was very difficult, but it was worth it. We had a chief restorer and we called a restorer who only made baroque churches to restore the two walls with painting”.^[15]

Madame Lili Wong's balls[edit]

As mentioned, Drosophyla has the culture in its DNA. And as you enter the bar, you will notice one in particular: Chinese culture. Passionate about the country, Lilian Varella traveled to China at least seven times and, in each of them, brought some of the magic of the place to adorn the corners of Drosophyla. That's where Madame Lili Wong was born, the alter ego of the businesswoman who inspired various details of the bar. “I wanted to do some things in some parts of the bar that refer to an old China. For example, Shanghai is one of the few cities that has a wonderful Art Deco. It's too beautiful. Then I thought how I was going to do the conceptual creation of this house. That's when this storytelling came up: a woman named Lili Wong, who lived in Shanghai, and in the 1920s she came to Brazil and married a German. She was an artist and a poet. So, we had Madame's dances at Drosophyla. They were balls from different decades, to remember the times of Lili Wong. When she had her balls and soirée, she “set fire” to the whole city of Sao Paulo!”

Visitors to the Shanghai Room, on the upper floor of the bar, can catch a glimpse of Madame Lili's lifestyle. The room full of oriental paintings transports its guests to another time. “The bar has to be a place where you will sit at a table and dream.” For Lilian Varella, a bar, first of all, must be a place for reverie where people can share an atmosphere of happiness. Therefore, in addition to the many works of art that are already part of the decoration of the bar, Drosophyla also promotes exhibitions, book launches and soirée.

The next exhibition “Death and Life, Life and Death”, which will take place between 06/18 and 07/07/2021, will feature some of my works, in a reflection on the constant process of reconstruction in which art, and ourselves, are. After all, nothing is absolute.

Illustrious visitors[edit]

For all the peculiarities that Drosophyla has to offer, the bar has become trendy, not only among the Paulistanos, but also among some other illustrious visitors. Like, for example, the band U2, which had the closing party of the tour “The Joshua Tree” inside the mansion of Nestor Pestana Street.

“In a week they were twice at the bar. They went on a Friday to take some pictures. I remember we sat down for a while to talk, Bono, my husband and me. It was very cool. They liked it so much that later, Bono asked the tour chief to go there to talk to us so that he could have the world tour closing party. The party was made for 100 people and it was wonderful! There was a moment when Bono Vox and Noel Gallagher of Oasis were on the dance floor, who opened the shows of this tour. I said 'my God, I don't believe it'. It was awesome! The BBC went to film and, when it launched a U2 special, it has an image of the band arriving at Drosophyla. It was very exciting!” recalls Lilian.

Drink 100% Paulistano[edit]

Every good bar needs to have a good drink, right? And in this regard, Drosophyla also offers everything you could wish for.

Inside the bar, wrapped up with the soul of São Paulo and with the sophistication and quality of distilleries in the United Kingdom, São Paulo Urban Distillery (SPUD) is unique in the capital and also works as a hidden bar, in the speakeasy style, in the same environment. From there, in addition to the special drinks menu, the national premium gin, Jardim Botânico Gin, is produced. The mansion counts with the first urban distillery in the country. “Along with other partners, I opened Jardim Botânico Gin (named in honor to Botanical Garden in São Paulo). Two of them are perfumers. They are among the 50 best perfumers in the world and are working in Brazil. And we know that gin is a perfume. All this Gin thing, of making the recipe for this perfume, comes from them”, explains Lilian Varella. Drosophyla Gin is the only gin in the world that contains Pau Rosa: an ingredient used in Chanel 5.

“A place when it has the soul is impressive, people can understand this.” If you live in São Paulo, or intend to pass there, Drosophyla is an indispensable stop. Full of life and history, the bar offers a unique experience that is not found in any other corner of the world. After all, it is the very portrait of Lilian Varella's reflections and daydreams.

“My bar is what goes on inside my soul and my heart. My head is what you are seeing there. That's why all Drosophylas have always been differentiated”, concludes the businesswoman.

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