A boy rides passed a road block in place whilst the military battle with a drug gang that has occupied one of the favela communities, Complexo da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2014.
Favela
The favelas of Brazil are often spoken of with notoriety, perhaps nowhere more so than in Rio de Janeiro. Through films and news reports, both nationally and globally, Rio’s favelas have become synonymous with violence. Yet more than three million people live within Rio’s estimated 247 favelas — communities as varied and complex as any city or town. Violence is not their defining characteristic, but rather hard work, passion, and dignity, woven through culture and community.
This short series is part of a longer body of work that acknowledges the harsh realities often found in these neighbourhoods, but also seeks to present them in a new light: to meet individuals, explore their challenges and creativity, and show the environments they call home. The project aims to help dispel the myth that these are no-go zones defined only by crime, revealing instead the humanity and strength that thrive within them.
As the favela sweeps down the mountain side it gives way to middle-class high rise accommodation ending beach side with some of the most expensive real-estate in the world. Favela Rochina, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2019.
Favela Rocinha, March 2016. Children at a day care centre. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2014.
Complexo do Alemão, September 2014. Stefanie in a derelict building her family calls home. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2014.
Favela Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2019.
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2014.
Military Police patrol the favela allies late into the evening. Favela Babilônia, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2019.
Lucas and Peter, Complexo do Alemão, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2015.
Paulo collecting cans for recycling on Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2014.
Carnival parade and block party. Leme, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2015.
Boys from local favela Cantagalo surf. Copancabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2015
Artur collecting cans for recycling. Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2015
Luis at his ballet school, Projecto Vidançar, Complexo do Alemão, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2016.
Birds on the beach, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2019.