Yayo

Artist: Rodrigo Oliveira

Current City: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Item Details: 12" x 16" Giclée Print, Framed, 2019, Edition of 15

50% of the proceeds from this piece will be directed to Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB). SoMad has united a community of artists and activists, embracing the power of art to affect social change, working to honor Latinx lives and territories, and bringing attention to those fighting for the Earth's survival. FOGO! features artists originating from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Puerto Rico. This exhibition celebrates the artists’ heritage and culturally-informed stylistic expressions.

Rodrigo Oliveira (Brazilian, b.1992) presents three portraits from his long-term project, Carioca, Negro & Queer, which aims to deconstruct narratives built around Black Queer bodies of people living in favelas and periferies of Rio de Janeiro. The election of current president, Jair Bolsonaro, has presented a large threat to the safety and well-being of these communities within Rio’s marginalized neighborhoods. Reaffirmation that Black Queer lives matter is urgently needed. Brazilian media is overloaded with images exploiting Black Queer suffering, and though this might help to shed light onto social issues, it may also provide white supremacists with validation of the pain they take pleasure inflicting. Through his intimate portraits, Oliveira illustrates the communities' strength, passion and resilience, in hopes of reminding it of its power.

Oliveira is based in Rio de Janeiro where he continues to photograph Carioca, Negro & Queer, exploring the intricacies of community, culture, and identity through portraiture. More details about this project can be found on Listo.