The Favela "Prazeres", Rio de Janeiro

One of our must-do's in Rio was to paint in a "favela". Favela is the Portuguese word for "shanty town or ghetto".. They are essentially squatter settlements constructed from a variety of materials, usually consisting mostly of bricks, with creative accents of any other available materials (you should use your imagination on this one).

Here is a bit of history on this subject which I find quite interesting:

The favelas began with Refugees and former soldiers involved in the Canudos Civil War (1895–1896) in Bahia. Because the government failed to provide any housing for the soldiers after the war, they started their own settlement on unclaimed public land on a hill in Rio de Janeiro. They named it Morro da Favela, after a plant which had thrived at the site of their famous victory against the rebels.

Over the years, many former black slaves settled there as well, eventually replacing the refugees as the major ethnic group. However, long before the first settlement called "favela" existed, poor blacks were marginalized, essentially not welcome to live downtown; they were only allowed work there. They were forced to create their own self-sustaining communities away from society.

Today, it's estimated, that one third or Rio’s urban population live in more than 500 favelas. In general, Brazilian cities do not recognize the existence of favelas as a legal entity. The communities often have their own means of acquiring electricity and water, as the government refuses to provide such resources legally. The number of inhabitants in Brazil's favelas is growing at an annual rate of some 7.5 per cent, whereas the overall population of Rio de Janeiro is only increasing by 2.5 per cent per year. Rio de Janeiro is not the only South American city with this type of squatter settlements. What makes Rio’s favelas unique is their locations. Most of them are situated on hillsides offering panoramic views over the city and the ocean, while the more affluent neighborhoods are located at the bottom of the hills.

I have been to, even slept in, several favelas all over Brazil and every experience is different. Although consitently poverty stricken and somewhat dangerous, I have never felt fear. I have always gone with trustworthy contacts who live there. It is however rather difficult to film or take photographs in any favela. Besides the saftey factor, residents are skeptical of the final destiny of thei images, which can basically incriminate them. I always respect who and what I am photographing and would never think of exploiting anyone.

Here are a couple photos of the view from the favela, and the mural Chor painted with our fabulous hosts, "The Fleshbeck Crew."

The bottom two photos I took at another favela, "Rocinha". It is the view from my friend's house, during the day and night.