Women Are Hero's

images via jr-art.net

JR is a mysterious artist that creates "Pervasive Art" all over the world. In 2008, he did an exhibit in the  favelas of Brazil to pay tribute to the women of the area. Moro de Providencia is an area that sees a lot of violence, and unfortunately women are often victims of this conflict. I first learned about the social issues of this area last year in a Geography class. Dr. Strait did some work in Brazil at the time and he let us know that when JR creates his work he doesn't just go into a country, install his piece and leave. He gets involved and engages the community. For this particular installation, Women Are Hero's,  the women of the area got a chance to be models for a day and kids were given the opportunity to help create this piece.

JR is definately in the top five of my favorite artist's. I love how his work challenges the world's traditional thoughts of freedom and forces them to address various social issues in the world. He leaves just enough space between his subject and the interpreter that they are able to formulate their own thoughts about the subject at hand and decide if they are going to act upon these thoughts or not. Because that is what JR's work is supposed to do, raise questions... 

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Saying Goodbye: Tribute to Oscar Niemeyer

images via Raisin Feed/The Economist

I have always been in love with architects, when I was in middle school I was obsessed with Antoni Gaudí to the point that I spent two weeks making a replica of one of his most famous works! At the time La Sagrada Família was my favorite building of his and I was so happy to share my passion for this building by using my replica for my class project.

I just wanted to take some time this week to pay tribute to another great architect. This Wednesday, Brazilian architect and iconic figure Oscar Niemyer passed away at the age of 104. He was a modern designer who went against the grain of Brazil's standard-issue neoclassical style. He was a completely innovative designer who created something completely revolutionary for his city. By giving his iconic buildings curves he made thought provoking and whimsical structures for the public. 

The day after his death Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes declared three days of mourning to honor Niemyer. Brazil lost a great man that day, but so did the world. .

Picture's two, three and four are of The Museum of Contemporary Art located in Niteroi, Brazil. It is one of my favorite pieces of his by far. It fits Brasilia, Brazil's futuristic capital, just perfectly. I can't wait to graduate, because I am seriously considering taking a couple months off to go live in Brazil. I know enough Spanish to survive, but learning Portuguese is a challenge I'm definitely willing to take!

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