Rio, de Janeiro
Earlier today I was at the harbor rowing around in a little rowboat with my Brazilian friend Ariel, paddling from boat to boat to record information for FlutuArte.
FlutuArte (floating-art) is an urban, open-air gallery that we (The Free Art Society) are creating by painting murals on the rooftops of the fishing boats within the port. This gallery will be viewable from both land and sky.
The fiery sun radiated down upon us as we logged the name of each boat and checked out their rooftops. A number of the roofs are very old and decayed to the point where they can’t be be painted. Many fishermen don’t have the money to restore their boats so we are meeting with a boat repair company to see if they will help sponsor the project by mending some of these rooftops.
Taking notes of the boats
Fishermen and construction workers take a break to watch the painting process
Some fishermen have more money than others and are currently fixing their rooftops so that we can paint them. In fact, as of December 2011 the whole harbor has been undergoing a massive renovation. They have been repairing the sidewalks and repainting the stairs that frame the square. They plan to finish the work in May, which is also when we will complete the floating gallery.
We are planning a big celebration, of course.
Quadrado da Urca
Quadrado da Urca circa 1920 (photo courtesy of www.rioquepassou.com)
The harbor in which we are painting (called Quadrado da Urca) is unique and historical. It was first designed to be a swimming pool in the early 1900’s before becoming a port to the 60+ colorful fishing boats upon which we are painting murals. It is nestled between Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf mountain), and Cristo Redentor (the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue). Helicopters host aerial tours and fly back and forth from these two famous landmarks with a birds eye view of our burgeoning boat gallery.
(photo courtesy of google earth)
The harbor on the left, across from the Yacht Club of Rio de Janeiro on the right.
(photo courtesy of www.rioquepassou.com)
The humble harbor lies in Urca, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Rio and is surrounded by luxury houses and located right next to the yacht club where Rio’s elite house their million dollar yachts.
I have heard from numerous sources that the fishermen of the square are often looked down upon and viewed by many in this privileged neighborhood to be second class citizens. It brings me tremendous joy to be able to give these colorful fishermen, who are full of soul, these gifts of art. Their port is being transformed and I hope it will inspire them and instill in them new sense of pride for their harbor.
Some of the “Pescadores” (fishermen) of Quadrado da Urca
The murals are coming along! We are starting a new boat tomorrow, I will post photos of the fresh art soon.
We are currently raising money for supplies.
~Help us realize this project!