#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)
from tuesday to sundays, from 11h to 20h
Free entry/ Age requirements: 12 years old

#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!!!

Follow us on Facebook and Like it!!!

#6

Warpaint: carioca excitement

After another succesful mobilization of the project Queremos, the californian quartet, will show up, on stage, at Circo Voador on the 07/10. Tickets on sale!

Annoyed with the lack of music events in Rio de Janeiro and tired of demanding a change, the project Queremos presented another intelligent alternative, highlighting a completely distinct format: dividing the cost of the events with the public, to guarantee its realization. The money invested will be returned after the sale of the tickets for the show. After unforgettable concerts, Queremos just confirmed the band Warpaint, the band will show at Circo Voador (07/10). Attention: tickets on sale already!

This time, the piggy bank gang, known as "enthusiastic cariocas", raised R$ 42 thousand to cover the costs of Warpaint's Show in Rio. Until, last Thursday (08/09), 220 reimbursable tickets were sold at a premium price of R$ 200. With the show's confirmation, these tickets converted into 1.040 regular tickets (R$ 60). With a full house, or the target exceeded, the value of the ticket is reimbursed to those who contributed for the initial investment. A fair trade, I would say. The poster for the show, that, was designed by Carol Santos, was just released and it looks beautiful!!! (as you can see above).

Gathering four women, Emily Kokal (vocals and guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals and guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (vocals and bass) and Stella Mozgawa (drums), the band Warpaint appears as the big bet of the international music industry scenery. It has been recently nominated by BBC as one of the "top 15 promises of 2011". Los Angeles offspring, was born in 2004, the group has already included members such as: actress Shannyn Sossamon and guitarist Jojsh Klinghoffer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, however without being successful.

After a curious debut EP - Exquisite Corpse, released in 2009 - Warpaint presented its first album, just in, October 2010. The wait was well justified with The Fool, which already received several compliments from the critics and ours too. From there to there, the quartet has been on the road for more than a year and half. Now the group unships at Rio, to close its international first album tour, right here at Circo Voador, convenient no?

With remarkable songs such as: Stars, Elephant Undertow among others, the group reveals a unique   sonority by presenting intrinsic lines of guitar and hypnotic vocals. With a strong influence of rhythms post-punk,Warpaint brings us "songs that vary from the psychedelic to the intimacy". The lightness of the melodies seems to seek something beyond the sound, as if it was channeling some sort of mystic mantra.  For those who don't know the band, it's worth checking the sound of these 4. They, literally,  rock! See you there.

To feel a little Warpaint's sense, we leave you a very interesting video. Check it Alt!! 

More about this "art-rock group":
http://www.warpaintwarpaint.com/
http://www.myspace.com/worldwartour

Circo Voador - R. dos Arcos, s/n. Lapa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel: (21) 2533-5873 | 25330354
Site: http://www.circovoador.com.br/

To access our facebook page:
facebook.com/ctrlaltrio

#5

Emma: a “japaustralioca” in Rio

Passionate about Rio de Janeiro, designer Emma Tamaoki, discusses her work before enthusiastically disembarking in this wondrous city

What attracts so many tourists to Rio de Janeiro? The fame of this wonder city lies besides the contrasting image  of the continuing insecurity. It’s of our civil war that we know, very well. The “gringos” manage to ubiquitously portray this through cinema with the likes of Elite Squad, City of God, Last Stop 174 and worse still, the list continues. What would make a graphic designer, sort-of-Japanese looking, living in Australia, from Portuguese descendants decide to move to Brazil, anyhow?

Before she packed her bags, Rio was just a blur of image and thoughts. “I knew of the famous stereotypical cultural icons such as havaianas, ipanema, bossa nova, samba and Corcovado, to name a few. I also knew of the dangers of the socio economic problems with the favelas”, she says. Besides her own, she could count on the wise opinion of others. “What made me nervous was the fact that every visitor who I'd spoken to before my departure looked at me discerningly with furrowing brows, and disbelief that I was traveling with just one female friend, who spoke no Portuguese either. Everyone had a story about being mugged. I tried not to worry but I heard that even caipirinhas were dangerous because they make babies”, jokes Emma.

Despite all the risks, already predicted, the trip seems to have been very worthy, and literally changed Emma’s life. Rio de Janeiro started influencing her conduct, her work, and ultimately, her way of life. “Animal! (Meaning awesomely perfect in Brazilian) The breathtaking scenery of the rolling mountains framing the urban landscape, with bursts of tropical vegetation spilling onto the pavement.  The alluring yet powerful force of the shore break at Ipanema. The exotic, foreign, wild, raw energy of Rio is extremely powerful and highly addictive. These clashing juxtapositions of the classes and colours, gives this cocktail of life enough layers to keep you guessing, and craving for more of the unknown”, justifies Emma very excited.

“I've wanted to move to a new continent with a new language for quite sometime, but wasn't sure where to go. It was a no-brainer as soon as soon as I caught a glimpse of that landscape as I flew into Rio. I felt something shift. An overwhelming sense of nostalgia washed over me. Whether I was Brazilian in my last life, I don't know? Basically my gut is telling me I need to be there, for one reason or another.”

After a road trip through Transcos - Búzios adding a few more weeks in Rio, Emma could already visualize her life very well, thanks to these inexplicable reasons. Carnival (the best party in the world), Larger than life personalities, deliciously quaint Joatinga beach, endlessly flowing music everywhere, ridiculously thirst quenching caipinrinhas, irresistibly hot Brazilieros, enticing fresh sucos de maracuja, mace, abacaxi” completes the artist, who illustrated our blog with all her expertise, creativity and kindness. Modesty aside, it looks pretty awesome! 

The plan is for Emma to arrive in Rio, in the beginning of 2012. In her muse and inspirational city, she doesn’t hide her confidence in find her space in the marketplace, “I think Brazilians will understand me as, I myself am of mixed descent and have been influenced by many cultures as well.  I will also be able to translate that roller coaster ride of culture shock I am no doubt, bound to experience. I am very sensitive to all my senses and try to explore all those avenues when creating my work. Hopefully I will be able to translate all of that into something cohesive!”

Before she packs her bag definitely and makes her dream become true, this Aussie insists that she will give priority to her work, as soon as , she feels a carioca, and no longer a tourist. “Would love to work with charities and perhaps children in the slum as I've always adored kids. In general, I'd love to interact with the people and collaborate on joint projects where my interests lie, whether its about the children/fashion/music/language/travel”.

To those who are curious about knowing a little bit more about Emma’s Tamaoki creations, please visit her website. “Feedback is always welcomed”, she clearly announces (here too). http://www.emmatamaoki.com/

#4

Microexhi.: minority comes from us

With a few pics in the pocket, Rafael Puetter brings a “microexhibit” to the edge of Leblon, to praise the beauty within minority groups.

We´re not talking about a regular Wednesday (07/09). Different from the others, this one in particular we´ll be known as the holiday day, independent from any independency. People stroll around the magnificent and dazzling Leblon edge (Av. Delfim Moreira). Walking by the  luxurious buildings, the sun starts to lighten, the perfect scenery to discuss about... MINORITIES? That’s it, at least that's the intention of the microexhibit, created by Rafael Puetter, who will expose some of his pictures in seek of introspection and dialogue.  The exhibit will be in front of Street José Linhares, in Leblon, from 9h to 19h.

Although it's not very common, the concept of "microexhibit" explored by Rafael Puetter, has a very good characteristic of being easy to transport, but the reasoning beyond it is much deeper. "The purpose is to make people reflect and seek ways to change day to day attitudes, which help to contribute for a bigger fragmentation of our society.” says Rafael.

In a country filled with contradictions, the concept of "minorities" ends up by being too subjective to actually being able to reach a conclusion. "Personally, I really don't like the word "minority", it brings an idea of more value vs. less value, something totally senseless. Most of the times, the absolute numbers don't necessarily justify. For example, "black people" in Brazil are still considered a minority, when in fact Brazil is a country essentially black". Adds Rafael. 

The fact that you are involved in a minority shouldn't mean that you should suffer any sort of prejudice. In fact, more and more minorities are also related with privileges. "I understand the concept of privileged minorities, but they are not the focus of the work. The Brazilian people are very fascinated by "VIP stockyard" and differentiated treatment. But, as long as, privileged minorities are rising, bigger will be the detachment of oppressed minorities and the fragmentation of our society", completes.

The exhibit will take no longer than a minute to contemplate, and will trace a comparison between hidden minorities and works or art exposed at Museum. Now, the pictures captured by Rafael Puetter gain a new meaning: let's praise the beauty of the minority groups of our people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5llNK8Zi7s&feature=player_embedded

To know a little bit more about Rafael's work, check:

http://acaiconceitual.tumblr.com/

http://rafucko.wordpress.com/

#3

Metronomy: in the right measure

After a collective collection, the british quartet landed in Rio, to show a dancing mix of rock & electronic music.

As usual, the night at Lapa started as if it was ten degrees hotter, even with the weird cold of this last Friday (02/09). The initial scenery, was a gathering of many different tribes, some of them close to indians really, contrasting with the riot, that only that piece of Rio de Janeiro can provide. Ultimately, the reason beyond this agitation was obviously the concert of the English “Hype Band” Metronomy, in our already well-known Circo Voador, probably the more traditional house of shows of this whole mess (our).

The quartet came to Rio thanks to several “cariocas empolgados” (excited cariocas) and the project Queremos (Queremos.com.br) that through a collective collection was able to cover the expenses of the show: simple and efficient. This time 220 fans participated in the anticipated purchase of the tickets and were able to contemplate a wonderfull performance for free. The show was very modest, however the tuned band kept the excited public, which by the way, filled the house.

Formed by Joseph Mount (vocals, keyboard and guitar), Oscar Cash (vocal, keyboard and saxophone), Gbenga  Adelekan (vocal and bass) and the flawless Anna Prior (Drums), the group distinguishes with their own musical formula, flowing from the rock to electronic music. The fact is that all melodies are impeccable and unpredictable, giving us a melancholic “synth pop” mood, contrasting with the upbeat and visceral beats. In other words, music without a label and destined to success, the case of “A Thing for Me”, “The Look” (the more requested) and “Radio Ladio”, true examples of modern hits. 

Since 2006 and with already two albums in the baggage – Pip Paine (2006) and Night Out (2008) – Metronomy has consolidated and the proof is the release of their most recent album: The English Riviera (2011), a big bet on songs who promise to turn on any dancefloor. The songs “The Bay”, "Corinne" and “She Wants”, besides making you want to climb on stage, show us clearly, all group influences from: New Order, New Order, Blur, Steely Dan and even Fleetwood Mac, all together and without sounding strange to the hears (even to the most demanding).

The lack of proximity with the carioca audience was visible, the band members who were a bit shy and discrete in their performance compensated with, what they had best to offer and with what only we  expect: the repertoire, which by the way covered, all the three albums and ended up by hooking everyone present. Even for those who don’t like the band it’s impossible not to recognize that these guys, play awesomely well. The synchrony between the members reveals that the band is indeed united aroud music, from the pleasure of playing to the search of ways of innovating. Everything was so in tuned that, even the audience dare to play their imaginary keyboards. We did too, the show was definitely worth it.

If you want to check the atmosphere at the concert check the video below, with the video of the song The Look at Circo Voador:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWmL9xfXjGo

SET LIST:

We Broke Free

Love Underlined
On the Motorway

Back on the Motorway

Holiday

She Wants

Heartbreaker

The Bay

You Could Easily Have Me

The End of You Too

Corinnne

Thing For Me

The Look

On Dancefloors

Mhrr

Some written

Radio Ladio

Location: Circo Voador (Rua dos Arcos, S/N – Lapa/ RJ – 2533-0354)
http://www.circovoador.com.br/

#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