A remarkable photography exhibition in Arles, France, is showcasing hundreds of intimate photographs that capture daily life in one of Brazil's largest favelas during the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition, titled "Retratistas do Morro" (Portrait Painters of the Hill), presents a forgotten chapter of Brazilian history through the lenses of twelve photographers from Belo Horizonte who documented the vibrant community of Serra during the country's military dictatorship.
The photographs reveal residents who are elegant and beautiful, wearing leather jackets, sporting afro hairstyles, and dressed in overalls. Despite living in challenging conditions, they smile and embrace in front of the camera, showing genuine warmth and trust toward the photographers. The subjects - with names like Joachim, Elana, Antonio, Quinzim, and Edênéia - represent the diverse origins of people who made this favela their home.
Two photographers, João Mendes and Afonso Pimenta, earned the particular trust of the community members, allowing them to capture both individual portraits and family celebrations. Their cameras documented births, baptisms, weddings, and birthday parties, including a notable photograph of Renatinha's sixth birthday party taken by Afonso Pimenta in 1987. These images radiate joy and good humor, offering a stark contrast to typical representations of favela life during Brazil's oppressive military rule.
The exhibition is being held at Croisière in Arles as part of the Brazil-France 2025 cultural year. Artist and exhibition curator Guilherme Cunha recognized the immense historical value of these photographic archives, which could have easily been lost or forgotten over time. His efforts to preserve and present this collection have brought international attention to this overlooked aspect of Brazilian social history.
According to Cunha, the state of Minas Gerais has a rich tradition of storytelling, and the project initially focused on collecting oral histories from favela residents. However, the discovery of this extensive photographic documentation provided a unique visual complement to those stories, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the daily lives and celebrations of people often marginalized in official historical narratives.
The Serra favela community, one of Brazil's largest informal settlements, represents a significant part of the country's urban development during the late 20th century. These photographs serve as crucial historical documents, preserving the humanity and dignity of residents who lived through one of Brazil's most challenging political periods while maintaining their sense of community and joy.
