#18

Wake Rio: a Lagoon lesson        

One of the wonders of the city, the Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas appears as a great option to practice some summer sports, like wakeboard. Splash!!! 

The hoven is on! Oh yeah, the summer arrived, and for what it seems, it not only came to shine, but to burn. Beaches and streets crowded, traffic is blocked, and that sensation of trance in complete chaos and a heat so strong that can fuc** up anyone. What about the lagoon? Oh yes the lagoon. Once owned by the portuguese Rodrigo de Freitas still enlightens as some sort of Oasis in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.  Apart from being only a postcard scenery, it also comes up as the ideal option to practice some sports. Especially, if you're into an adventure: a wakeboard session, also known as the "Professor Marquinhos Lesson".

Although not very well treated, our lagoon of salty water has become a trademark for the city. Not even the young man from the portuguese cavalry could imagine or justify such tribute. The fact is that, nowadays its disputed by  sportsmen of regatta, naval clubs, paddle (why not?) and by the furious motorboat of Rio Wake Center, the name of the "school", a project of Marquinhos. “I practised all modalities of water skying in the USA, plus slalom and barefoot. However, after I was familiar with "wake", I wanted to take this sport to Rio, since it was very poorly explored" states the instructor and pilot of the motorboat.

“Playboy Sport!”, we can even get it. But such prejudice is justified by the lack of conditions to purchase the board and other expensive items demanded by the sport, such as the motorboat. But, actually to be able to slide in the lagoon waters, "workout your physical condition and have a good dosage of emotion and maybe give it a go on the tricks" as described by the professor. R$200 reais/hour (with all equipment included) are worth it, even more if you divided it with friends (good suggestion). Which means that your twenty minutes can cost R$50, almost the price of the massage you're gonna need after your lesson! Prepare yourself for the falls!

Besides getting to know the lagoon from the inside, with diapers and fishes includes, have a few falls and go for a boat ride, the class of professor Marquinho is valid for the mystic lessons learned. For those who are interested in sport, is a great opportunity to learn, as the specialist in the topic says: "To have the opportunity to practice wakeboard in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, in the heart of Rio it's a privilege. I guarantee that even for people who have never practice wake before, will be able to improve in a few minutes. The pupils always go satisfied and broken, but they still come back" jokes around Marquinhos! Let's check it out!! Good after massage!!

Book: http://www.riowakecenter.com.br/

Email: riowakecenter@riowakecenter.com.br / riowakecenter2008@hotmail.com

cel: 99767147

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#17

Z.BRA Hostel: a year of success

To celebrate its first year of existence, the most "beloved" city hostel gathers with Noon to make a unique party, this saturday (17/12), at 4 p.m., in 00.

Celebrating a year of a lot of work, success and existence, Z.BRA Hostel unites to well-known project Noon, from the most demanded couple of DJ's Flow & Zeo, to celebrate a unique party, which you surely don't want to miss out, this saturday (17/12). The spark will be set after the beach, but it will be set on fire by 16h, in 00, with resident DJ´s and more: Dubshape (SP), (Alê Reis and João Lee), Pedro Mezonatto and Bernardo Campos, both from Molotov 21.

If Z.BRA Hostel walls could speak, Oh well they would have several stories to tell, even more knowing that it used to be a spiritual centre. After a carefully thought and daring  plan, the space changed, gain a new identity and nowadays, its more spiritual, a house that receives well travellers from all corners of the world. In only a year, the "Brasil with Z" or the "Z in Brazil" stole the scene, gain notoriety and recognition and became one of the most beloved hostels in Rio, the most fancy that's for sure (without a zebra). 

From the interest and friendship of four "brothers" (Breno Novaes, Emir Bechepeche Jr, Michel Asseff Filho e Raphael Azulay), Z.BRA Hostel was born, raised and fastened upon one of the most coveted corners of Leblon. "The idea was to make a hostel which at the same level of standards of the neighbourhood, we din't want towels hanged on the windows" jokes Emir. "We created almost everything, the whole concept. At the beginning, we wanted to make something like a tropical paradise, although, in the end, we went for something more modern, without being futuristic." completes Breno. 

The decoration, coordinated by Le Modiste, from Lilli Kessler and Sol Azulay, uses a lot the retro concept, something that differentiates Z.BRA from other hostels. "We wanted to use a mix between retro and modern to break the futuristic image. We wanted something different, but without losing the carioca sight", states Breno. With an ambience all planned out, the way was to release the boat and paddle. "At the beginning, it was tense. We opened 5 days before new year's, full house a lot of complications. But, it was a learning experience, today we offer a better service. We have gain experience", says Emir. 

After a year of experiences, Z.BRA Hostel has enough reasons to celebrate and also to expect more. "We were blown away with all the spontaneous acceptance, all that success and care, it just gives us the desire to be a part of this project forever and improve even more, being more efficient", reiterates Michel. For those who want to have a closer look at the hostel, better hope that the world doesn't end, since there is only availability for 2012. “The trend now is just to grow, come along!", concludes Breno. 

Obs: Special hugs to all Z.BRA staff, who were mentioned here but the names are not visible. Congrats, really!!!! 

Check the party teaser Z.BRA (click here)

00 - Av. Padre Leonel Franca, 240 - (Planetário) Gávea

More informations: www.zbrahostel.com
Av. Gen. San Marti 1212, Leblon

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#16

Hype Fair: back to Babilônia 

After four years, Babilônia Hype Fair returns, justifying the waiting period, revealing a lot more, this next weekend (17 e 18/12), at the Jockey Club.

After four gap years the Babilonia Hype Fair - an event that consecrated its concept and brands such as: Farm, Via Mia and Espaço Fashion. – attracted a real crowd of cariocas and tourists in its weekend debut. It showed that a lot has changed since those fifteen years of circus tents. Alternative fair? Don't think so, maybe back in the days. It's a "barn of creative economy translated into different types of art". For those who are curious and want to check it out, the "fair" will remain open until the 17 and 18/12, from 14h  to 22h, at  the Jockey Club. The entry is R$ 10, but it's worth the bet!

Organized by Fernando Molinari and Robert Guimarães, the Babilônia Hype Fair return to its activity with a more urban look and a bigger structure. From the outside, it even looked like Cirque Du Soleil. Besides shows (with a specific arena), radio, workshops, DJs and several works from different visual artists, the fair has 220 exhibitors, of which 95% are presenting their brands for the first time. The idea is to introduce new trends, in fashion, decoration and design, something that justifies the chit-chatting.

Famous for revealing successful brands, ten became chains of stores, the Babilônia Hype Fair, in its comeback edition, received more than a thousand applications, which translates into a "new generation of entrepreneurs" as Molinari says. Despite the different proprosals and works, the demand was basically  just one: low prices. “Not everything is really cheap, but they have different stuff, that you can't find at average shops", points out Felipe Pádua, one of the visitors. In what concerns the present crowd (crowed), the advertiser ironically adds: “ Hype is more than mainstream”.

On the fashion walls - a Fair named hype couldn't leave out a space for "street art". Actually, it has became more and more popular in events, and with lot to talk about, however the graffitis were there before the exhibitors. But, on the inside, the space was very well seized and represented by 30 selected artists, among them: Instituto Rua (Márcio Bunnys, La Selva, Marcelo Macedo, Combone Wesley and others), Riot de Janeiro, Rafo Castro and Alexandre Cavalcanti; Airá “O Crespo” and Marcelo La Marca, at the workshop (Super Spray), among others.

Hoping that the Babilônia Hype Fair returns soon, maybe this time to stay. In march, the event will have another edition and the tendency is to grow. In fact, the producers just sealed a partnership with  Sebrae Rio, Riotur and the local and state cultural secretaries.
If the "Beast people eater" - a sculpture from Alexandre Cavalcanti, entitled "Pre-Historic Now. Furious Animals"-, knew about this, he would be happy and waiting, just like the carioca audience.

More informations about the Babilônia Hype Fair:
http://www.babiloniafeirahype.com.br/bloghype/

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#15

Onto the Dancefloors: the new face of the Alt side

Contrarily to investments and incetive policies, the carioca electronic underground scene shows its new face with curious projects. The time is to party, and hard! 

With all eyes set on Rio de Janeiro, that more and more is distant from its wonders to be international, the hears of the musical scenery could not be hearing that well, even more if the subject is electronic music. 

However the new "face" of the city seems to reflect positively on the dancefloors, that in the resistance of the night,  can still surprise and please all lovers of quality music. Which means, beyond the obvious maturation, the more underground carioca can guarantee its space, something that not long ago, didn't exist: a interested audience (in music).

It would be simple to point out the defects, trace comparisons and even admitting that you've been in better places, however for those who are attending and following the carioca underworld  is not hard to admit that there was a considerable evolution in the scene. For those who don't agree with this statement stay smart because the crowd comes strong and with consistency showing its face and a lot of other curious projects. The fact is that, the Alt side of electronic music evolved and consolidated into original parties, productions and Djs, that burden the structure necessary to elevate floors to different dimensions. 

“The maturation is gradual, having in sight that the city is preparing to receive the World cup and the Olympics. It´s natural that there is more investments in different cultural niches. Big music festivals already started to happen, bringing more visibility and profit. In comparison with other states, the carioca scene still lacks in investment to have a constant quality schedule" points out  DJ  and producer Krishna Gomes, son of Baby (Brasil) and Pepeu Gomes, who signs the label 11Hz Recordings and the music project Freakslum, with Cícero Chaves, and nowadays with the collective Brazilian Wax (next to DJ Pedro Piu, Marcio Ribeiro and Felipe Benoliel, from Rio Neurotic Bass).

Instead of thinking in celebrating the hexa or wait for a golden medal at the olympics, a select group of carioca artists, stand out, for its dedication and seriousness of the projects they present. In these last years, they raised the pirate flag and made the electronic scene something more interesting. Be it alternative, undeground or even pop skulls, the floors of Rio de Janeiro have something unique, which inclusive can be beyond the music itself. But, no doubt, the evolution of the music, was the was the catalyst for those changes. An original and commited music that can be reckon within the international scene and might already get the attention of those who are far away.

Dubbed as “the resistance hero” in the only city Newspaper, Bernardo Campos, next to Pedro Mezzonatto, are some of the figures omnipresent in the night scene, either if it is at their monthly residence in Do Hauze party (at Dama de Ferro), or with the nucleo Molotov 21,  another music label.  Bernardo, also signs the project Toucan next to DJ Olliver Mach, who recently had the idea of reuniting "strenghts" to create a big party: Quadra, that united Molotov 21,  Tropical Beats (label bellonging to the couple DJs Flow and Zeo), and La Folie (a colective guided by DJ Fernando Barbosa) and the House It (project of DJ Vicente Amadeo).

“The ripening time is natural and it would be no different with electronic music. The professionalism was something needed to be where the scene is today, " points out Ricardo Estrella, another “omnipresent” DJ and producer from Rio de Janeiro, who initiated its walk in 1998 . “The scenario is still not ideal, but we work hard to achieve this. It motivates me the fact that we are improving every day, not only in the amount of music produced but also performance at parties”, completes Estrella, who gives us some hints on its next bet: the Rockerr, his project with producer Kriptus “Nytron” Gomes, the Tea Lyrics, patnership of the couple Flow & Zeo again with Kriptus. In fact the producer , brother of Krishna Gomes, presents other curious projects: Born To Be, anext to DJ Vivi Seixas (daughter of the singer Raul Seixas), and another with DJ Nana Torres, another revelation of the carioca night scene.

For someone who started way back in 1992 - at Kitschnet club,  one of the first carioca clubs with electronic music and underground-, the DJ of DJs,  Sir Mauricio Lopes,  followed very closely all possible changes and has still not lost his breath. On the contrary, looks with excitement into the future.  “It´s a fact that public interest for electronic music is bigger and bigger, howerer the investment in quality events is still low" states. In the beginning of the year, after the renewal of Fosfobox from Cabbet Araujo, Mauricio reedited the monthly party Fosfolopes, who had performed alongside with Renato Lopes. Now, the party returned to present a household name (like Anderson Noise, Luiz Pareto and Murphy) every month in the most beloved "basement" in the city.

Until the end of 2011, a lot of parties and attractions promise to enthusiasm the cariocas. Responsible for that, are the colective La Folie, who just celebrated two years of existence in October. "Our 2 year anniversary party will only be in the beggining of December. But the kick out was already started at Bootleg (who also includes João Paulo, Marcio Careca e Jonas Rocha) invited La Folie along with the duo Glocal. In November, we will pass again by Fosfobox with Oliver Klein at Boogie Woogie party (DJ Ricardo Estrella)”, says Fernando Barbosa, one the six members involved in the colective. Despite, not considering himself as a “DJ”, Fernando talso signs the project RockPhonne,whose main focus is to reconquer music and forgotten styles.

In the last weekend of October, friday (28),  the first edition of the project Finest  (an initiative that involved  D.Edge Agency, Tropical Beats,11Hz Records and the party Rio Cabana) also proves that the underground music scenery is not restricted to "Hell".  This new party had the presence of the German Dj ´Johnny D its debut, and it will take place at the famous and shining Café del Mar, located at the seaside of Copacabana, DJs Bruno Matera, Ricardo Estrella, Nana Torres, Pedro Piu and Marcelo Jesse, will be the hosts of the night, with no need for extra comments.

In another future fusion the nucleos Molotov21, Tropical Beats, Bootleg and  La Folie,  the circuit “underground” will consolidate a new moment for another great party: Blend, who will present no less than the “top” Jamie Jones, one of the best house DJs of todays time .  The so awaited night takes place on 14th of November, in the traditional Cine Iris (in the Center). This year was a year of really hard work and sincerely we hope that in 2012 the work increases because the idea is to work even better, "concludes Fernando. So if the "underground" scene in Rio has a new "face", it must be with a huge smile, eagerly awaiting more news from these artists, among many others forgotten, that make the scene happen. And so be it, because this marvellous city, more than deserves, knows how to do it.......

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#12

Cupcake: a cake trip

After totally stealing the scene at the tv show "Sex in the city", the little cake capable of being eaten with eyes, can also be tasted with Rio flavors, but with a european look. 

The majority say that the cupcake is english, served at her Majesty's teas. Others, agree that its english, passed onto Australia and ended in the US. But there is also who guarantees that its origins was for sure in Uncle Sam's Land, and it's a fever down there. But wait a minute: what is a cupcake? It's the delicious mini cake that Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha, characters of the “Sex In the City”, were delighted at the famous Magnolia Bakery, located in the heart of Manhattan. Now, for those walking by Leblon (our almost Upper East Side) will also encounter a store specialist at it: Cups&Co.

Althought is located at a fancy neighborhood, showing a very good image and being extremely cosy, Flávia Dias´ (owner of the store) cupcake it's not expensive, it's delicious. If don´t let get intimidated by the dish can understand that this mini cake with toy resemblance can be a good option for a friendly lunch. “I always enjoyed cooking and sweets. I discovered there was no cupcakes´stores in Rio and a certain demand and an existing target market that would be captive of a european looking environment and all sorts of cupcakes with cafe etc..”, states Flávia.

For those confomed with the: BB/Bibi/Polis/Big Néctar, to see a store with delicate and magic aspect may seem like something uptight... and has a lot of people showed up to check it out? “Yes, few people come here and eat a cupcake for the first time. The public acceptance was marvelous. Many still prefer the traditional cakes, but little by little, people are starting to change that culture, inclusive for parties, says the young woman, who assumes total responsibility for the store and at her Mother's Eliane care and tender. 

Who experiment these wonders at Cups&Co. will be surprised with the diversity of options and flavors. Like everything else in Brazil demands for a customization, the cariocas cupcakes also present some odd novelties. About the idea, Flávia speaks as an expert: “Men normally tend to prefer the salty, rather then the sweet. The idea came exactly to respond to that need, or also for those who can´t eat sugar, like the diabetics  we also have lights and vegan ”.

The store Cups&Co. is open, including to welcome parties and it´s a good option to runaway from the heat, from the craziness on your way back home or if you are just looking for a place to relax: eating a  cupcake can be a good option. “The corujão of music and poetry already did an event here at the store , and we support the project, we also support book reading in general, we like to incentive a client to read a book while they drink their coffee with a cupcake , listening to jazz”, invites Flávia, who will soon open a new store at Barra da Tijuca. Yami!!!! 

Find out more about the cupcakes, access Cups&Co.

Service:
Cups&Co. (R: Almirante Pereira Guimarães, 72 C. Leblon).
(21) 3264-3282

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#11

Noé: not just the looks of an artist

With its paintings and sculptures, Noé Klabin carries its fantasy mutation ark, through men and animals, towards Z.BRA Hostel, where will be exposed from the 01/10. 

“Mermaid with squid arms, winged horse, man with a snake body & saw arms, and some other artistic mutations, literally steal the scene in the fantasy "ark" of Noé Klabin. Through drawings, paintings, and sculptures  the "carioca" artist unites some of its curious works to put together the exhibit “Os Bichos”, which will be presented from the 01/10, at Z.Bra Hostel. Actually, the house is open for those who are interested in having a closer look.

“The title was the last thing to be defined. When I realized, the series was: animals, colorful, like the mermaid with squid arms, winged horse, man with a snake body & saw arms, etc.. Then the name came: "Os Bichos" (animals). Its a fantasy world inside my head, that I expose, through art", states the artist, who carries that influence to other work spheres: music. "The name of my first album it's also "O bicho" and it has a picture of me with mermaid tail and wings", completes Noé Klabin.

Nature comes has a common theme on Noé Klabin work spheres,not an adventurer, but embraces the risk, to put in practice ideas from its unconscious. "What you call "adventurer", I see as need to be in contact with nature and with strong emotions. That indeed, influences my art, and it can be easily seen in my work. If I am at the studio I will be the artist, if for example, Im in the top of a mountain, I'm the adventurer. The deal is to dive deeply into what you are living at that moment" shoots.

By influence of its grandfather, Chico Calmon, also an artist, Klabin started early drawing and painting. But only later, he started "expressing with the intention of giving the world a little bit more emotion"  Not satisfied, Noé also started sculpting. " The sculptures came no long ago, I felt a need to make my drawings come out of the paper" justifies. The sculptures presented by Noé surprise us for its proximity with the artist's fantasy world. On the 05/10, at Araka party, for example, Noé will present its work of  wood sculptures.

“The exbihit will last until the 28th of October, for those who can't go to the vernissage, pass by at  Z.Bra Hostel later". In the debut day (01/10), its worth going just to have a drink and to cheer for someone to get excited enough to do a  "pole-dancing" at the "pole" in the foyer”, invites Noé Klabin.

“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans!!!”

Serviço: Z.Bra Hostel (Av. General San Martin, 1212. Leblon)

(21) 3596-2386 http://www.zbrahostel.com/

To know more about  Noé Klabin, check its  MySpace 

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#10

Araka: a "party" for artists

For five years connecting and gathering countless artists from different influences, Michel “Araka” Mendes turns art into a agitated collective of content. Boom!

Imagine a party, whose objective is uniting different artistic manifestations, ideas and ideals, without leaving aside good music and a frozen beer at a high cost.Certainly, it´s not difficult and you might have already imagined 5 years ago, a time where the artist Michel Mendes put its "connection power” to gather different works and  projects spread around Rio de Janeiro. This is project Araka – Who's afraid of Aracy? , that will have its next edition wednesday 05/10, at 00, in Gávea.  

Even though it sounds strange, the name Araka, in reality, is the nickname of a inconvenient jury of a freshmen talent show, (a Brazilian old school version of Simon) from the 80s (Vish!). Side by side to Pedro de Lara, Aracy de Almeida stood herself for being extremely severe will the freshmen, especially with beginners. The woman was really a evil snake. Because the "party with a content" debuts opportunities to new artists in each edition, the name Araka came in hand, to joke and mesmerize this true wild beast of  Brazilian Tv. However, at Michel's Araka, the freshmen don't need to fear, the objective is far away of being (dis)approved or not. Fair enough, don't you think? 

“I exchanged my past job to do Fine Arts at UFRJ. Althought the fear of the uncertain artist career, every time I met someone that lived from art, I believed it was possible. Also, the contact with  creative people fed even more my desire for art" states Michel, who fulfilled its dream project after being part of “Hospedaria Carioca”, a similar project. “I missed a lot those moments and I decided to organize myself meetings.  That's how I created ARAKA,adapting some stuff”, concludes Michel Mendes.

ARAKA has become so important for my life that is very common, to be introduced to a new friend by: "this is Michel Araka", it turned into a nickname. I don't care and I even have fun!

Five years after, Michel seems to have made the right choice and it even jokes with the success of its initiative, which took him to Island Caras. "Before Araka I was very limited, I worked with visual arts, after I started working with culture. At Araka, for example I met my wife Juliana, a movie director, reveals the artist. “Araka taught me to interpret the culture of my age and human behaviour,making it easier to comprehend and anticipate new trends- and even needs - that no one suspected or hoped for. We motivate people to adopt those inovations and bring them to our daily life", completes.

Between paintings, graffitis, poetry, theatre, photography, visual performances, fashion, toy-art and music, the next Araka edition, which happens monthly, will have a very well humored subject that promises to explode this art folie. The works will focus on an episode that scared the hell out of the residents of Rio: the explosions of the electric pavement covers. “It was driving me insane, so I decide to make a well humored protest. The artists would make their own artistic intervention and would send us pictures. With this, all sorts of different projects appeared sculptures etc, the idea for this new Araka showed up”, finalizes Michel “Araka” Mendes.

To those interested, Michel leaves an open invite: “If anyone wants to expose its art with us we are always open to new artists, just send us an email with images of your art to artearaka@gmail.com”.

Follow Araka at Twitter,  Facebook and its site.

Service:
Araka: 05/10, no 00 (Av. Padre Leonel Franca, 240. Planetário)

Tel: (21) 2540-8041/ 2540-8042
http://www.00site.com.br/

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#9

LoMo: the old fashioned photos

From workshops to photographic strolls , the Lomography store in Rio makes its cameras a fever between the adventurous.  Fish Eye, Color Splash, Action Sampler, Diana and La Sardina, what is your favorite model?

It looks less likely that during the "digital era", where even cell phones, are smart and take perfect pictures, that the analogic world would find its space again. However, in the opposite direction of the  megapixel, the Lomographic cameras are  turning the more alternative crew crazy, or just the passionate about traditional pictures. Offering several models, the “LoMo(s)” can be specific to a need, although they all open space to a personal signature.

It all began in the early 90s, when two students in Vienna, Austria tumbled across a small and enigmatic Russian camera: the Lomo Kompakt Automat, this camera took pictures with profound saturation of colors and vibrant effects. To please its friends, who also wanted a little gadget to play with, these two friends developed the concept of Lomography! Soon the initiative transformed into a "global community  passionate by creativity and for free experimentalism of the analogic photography world".

Nowadays, there are plenty of fun and uncommon Lomo to play with, they have proven to be a success  in different countries around the world, becoming a true icon of resistance in the old fashioned 35mm cameras. In Brazil, until now, there is only one store, located at: Ipanema (Rua: Visconde de Pirajá, 365 – sobreloja), in Rio de Janeiro. Its not only a store but also a meeting point for Lomo lovers. Besides selling cameras and accessories, now you can do workshops and organize group photographic strolls, the famous  “roles Lomográficos”.

From October, the Lomographic store will present an agenda full of activities to those interested in learning and sharing a unique subject: LoMo cameras. Until the 20/10,  there will be a “Pop Up Store” of LoMo inside Farm's store, also in Ipanema. After learning a little about the concept, checking out the available models and coming to a final decision .... you just need to start X!!!  (“clique”)...  However, to see if the pictures are good,we will have to  wait. Tell us how it went!!

To know more about Lomographic, access its site, or facebook. 

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#8

Iran: tough fist, precise clique

Far away from the conflictual political context, the photograhy exhibit Pulso Iraniano reveals an unknown and surprisingly Iran. Until the 30th October at Oi Futuro Flamengo.

Despite the immense distance, either physical or cultural, that separates Rio from Teheran, the capital of Iran, the exhibit Pulso Iraniano (Iranian Pulse) reveals an unknown side to the Iranian republic, nonetheless, still incredibly magic and surprising. Gathering inedit images and videos of contemporary artists, the exhibit, which debut on the 13/09, will have its doors open until the 20/10 at Oi Futuro Flamengo. Detail: free entry for Ctrl+Alt+Rio followers. (laughs)

Located at a strategic part of the Middle East, with control over several valuable oil reserves, Iran has the image and the complicated "posture" internationally. Independently from the ultraconservative Mahmud Ahmadinejad and the famous "exis of evil," that's not the Iranian picture we are after (at least for now). Even though it's hard to escape from the influence or the conflictual context, our focus is basically at the cultural scene, to read between the lines: in pictures, never revelead before.

Signed by Marc Pottier, the exhibit Pulso Iraniano, brings pictures and unique videos of contemporary artists, with the objective of showing the strength of new works created not only in Iran, but as well as, places where artists look for refugee, leaving behind a very intense political environment. The projects are divided by theme: Poetry, Spirit of Celebration, Women, War and Traditions. 

“The iranian people are the spiritual brother of the Brazilian people. Beyond working hard against all adversities, they also celebrate, like to dance and sing", explains Marc Pottier.

The contemporary art scene is carefully being traced, fearless. The worry is only with the visitor, that obviously is unaware of the country being visited. To ease that comprehension and also to learn a little bit of the rich culture of the Persian People, the movie: Iran revealed, it´s a very good sugestion. In fact, the audience can consider the movie an introduction to the pictures of Bahman Jalali, one of the most important photographers of the country, lived in Tearan and died in January 2010.

Besides the black and white pictures of the photo jornalist Abbas, from the Iran Diary, the spotlight is definitely Poetry, a artist manifestation very common in the iranian culture, and for that reason is even presented in a specific room. "The poetry is so present in the daily life of Iran, that you can even hear it during street manifestation in the middle of yells, complaints and government critics" reveals Pottier, that side by side with the movie director Seifollah Samadian, the poet  Sanam Emami, beyond artists Shadi Ghadirian and Amirali Ghasemi, supports more than 80 artists, between25 and 40 years old.

Several poetries are hanged on the wall, picturing the themes of the exhibit. In the end, the guests also receive a souvenir, a copy of one of the poems of the artist Hafez (Century XIV), whose work Divan is a success in sales, as big as, the Quran, in Iran. The dive into the iranian culture is on the surface, but very deep. To those willing to break the existing barrier between prejudices, will understand that there is a lot of similarities between the two people (the spiritual brother, as defined by Marc Pottier.) After fancy the exhibit Punho Iraniano, please tell us a little about the Iran that you discovered. Ctrl+Alt+Teheran! 

Pulso Iraniano (service)
until the 30th de october
Oi Futuro Flamengo (Street: Dois de Dezembro, 63)
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#7

ArtRua: um tapa at Gamboa

After four days, the successful exhibit ArtRua comes to an end, but it's not really over, even for those who didn't attend. The example remains and the works now "hanged" on the walls, give color to the deserted port area.

Parallel to the International Fair of Contemporary Art in Rio de Janeiro (ArtRio), which happened from the 7th to the 11/09, the exhibit "street art" ArtRua shacked the port area with a installation in a old warehouse in Gamboa (Rua Pedro Ernesto, 29). In four days of event, the exhibit revealed to be a success, countless number of visitors and it even left a precious legacy to the local dwellers. In other words, ArtRua is over, but the good example, memories and the innumerable works (graffiti) spread around the evolving area, color the forsaken and neglecting port area (now "with a new face").

The idea ArtRua came from the Institute R.U.A, with the support of the Rio de Janeiro´s Cultural Secretary. The institute was founded last year, by André Bretas, Pedro Villela e Wagner Nascimento, in order to promote a urban  revitalization through its own art, the example at the Wall of Bambas of Lapa; project a View over the Stones (a graffiti with portuguese pavement); Project Romero Brito and Santa Crew; Painting of the Sapucai cabin, project Graffiti Fence; Project of the Pole light at Arpoador and decorative paintings at the Conservation Secretary. 

The installation at Warehouse Gamboa was just an example of how graffiti occupies such an important role on society. Now it's not only, praised on the streets, but in fact it's being valued in art galleries and auctions. However the street art role goes beyond this exhibit. "Much more then a art exhibit, ArtRua wants to become a nucleus of cultural incentive to artistic exchange and after that work is done, we will leave this city even more wondrous.” explains André Bretas, one of the founders of the Institute Rua ,  from Human Gallery and who has done more than 10 years research in urban art trends. 

Gathering some of the most famous artists of the scene Rio-São Paulo and, also worldwide, ArtRua took not only the concept of street art but also the feeling of inclusion to a extremely needy area. At the event, besides the most modern techniques of graffiti, stencil, poster art, sticker art, the visitors could still see specific installations, projections, circus performances, DJ’s, VJ’s and some bands, all united around the new meaning of the concept street art brought (in all aspects) ). It even included a van service, that linked the two events (ArtRio and ArtRua).

Contrasting with a horror movie set, the sort of ghost city image of the port region, the colored works  of the famous graffiti artists marked the well chosen spot for the event. Now, if you walk in the streets of    Gamboa (which is not that easy, let's say), you will able to see graffittis from the artists (Choque Cultural (SP), Babel, Galeria Movimento, HUMA, Instituto R.U.A): Akuma, Acme, Eco, Ment, SWK, Combone, Jou, Leo Uzai, Marinho, Tinho, TM1, Mateus Velasco, Zezão, Rafo Castro, Coletivo Gráfico, Big, Mack, Chivitz, Minhau, Muda, Piá, Gais, who recently had a work sold at the famous Philips de Pury auction in London.

The brand has been registered..... with a lot of dedication and work, the success came. The exhibit looked amazing and everything went very well. This gives us a reason to think and even pop a question: why not give a purpose to this warehouse? Or when will we have cultural warehouses spread around different regions in Rio de Janeiro? Maybe the solution is a UPP? ("Uh People's Power")

For those who want to see exclusive pictures of the event, the advice is to take a sneak peak at the photographer Henrique Madeira  blog!!!

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