#2

NEPS: a "atelier" in the slum

Opened by the artist Giseli Duarte, the new space opens its doors to artistic inclusion in the middle of Vidigal.

More relevant than finding definitions for Art, is accepting that more and more its concept distances from the "classic" to circulate on the streets and on the day life of people who never had the opportunity to visit a museum (about 90% of Brazil's population). The concept is that, Art finds new meanings and as a consequence labels (urban, comteporary, engaged, etc). But the fact is, those concepts have never been so democratic and accessible as now. For the despair of the most conservative and yet joy of others, Art is becoming more popular (more close to the people). That's why that's a perfect theme to celebrate our first post#1.

Without the pretension of exemplifying the relation between art and inclusion, but showing up as a wonderful example, the new "artistic space" of Rio de Janeiro, located in Vidigal, captures our attention by exercising very simply these two concepts. "It doesn't matter if it's `street art´ or a classic museum canvas..., Art must have τέχνη  (art in its essence), highlights the artist and owner Giseli Duarte, a "paulistana" (São Paulo), born and raised in Criciúma (Santa Catarina), recently arrived at Rio de Janeiro to fullfill her big dream: the creation of the "son" ateliê NEPS.

"I think art is everywhere, even in Vidigal... What i want to do is open a space, where, that art can be seen but also learned.... I think that's why Neps came to Rio."

Besides exposing the work of other artists, NEPS will focus on another important mission: take artistic expressions to the daily life of a extremely needy area where social infrastructure is still lacking and where there is still violence. "It's the fulfillment of a dream, really. It will be a place not only restricted to my work, but also to the ones who share the same ideal. A space to share my techniques and also to receive people who want to teach. We will have photography, video and even culinary workshops... The doors are opened"...giggles Giseli.


In the opening night (last monday, 29/08), Neps already showed a little bit of its big proposal, or better, its essence. In the middle of the community, the environment was: open doors, children starving (curiosity) and, the most important, people ready to believe in the project. The opening debut with an exhibition of the artist Mariana Mats, who took out of the bag some of her "stylish" canvas - true clippings of her graffiti work in the capital paulista. For those who are curious about her work, the canvas will be exposed throughout September at Z.Bra Hostel, in Leblon.

Inside her own creative universe, the artist Giseli Duarte, burdens a direct influence and dedication to couture in her work (even not being proud of her Faculdade Santa Marcelina graduation). She divides her production in three areas: Toy Art, House and You. 
“The concept of the brand is really simple. Everything is unique! Even when it's series production, everything needs to have that look that was handcrafted, everything is made individually, even when it comes to clothing's....... I don't work with sizing conventional patterns. All pieces are created to each type of body....", completes the artist.

Here at ateliê NEPS, you will be able to find diversity, from the collection of "The egg heads" to tissue  kitten lamps, to clothes and accessories. Although, everything created has the main concern: reusing, reinventing, recycling. Using the artistic concept to (re)create new meanings and to seek new functions for the useless stuff. 


After leaving Criciúma (SC) with only her bag and dreams, having moved to São Paulo to discover the world, Giseli Duarte arrives at Rio to worship a new life routine. Now, as “farm girl”, she wakes up early everyday to celebrate life on the wonderful city. “Gosh, I am thrilled! I´m happy to be able to open the Atelier Neps, even before the opening, I was very well welcomed! If I leave the door opened..... people pass, ask questions and come in. They are interested...... and just that it´s already very positive!" finalizes.

Atelier Neps
R. Presidente João Goulart 27, Vidigal (próximo do ponto de encontro)
neps.arte@gmail.com


Z.BRA Hostel
Av. General San Martin 1212, Leblon
www.zbrahostel.com