Fica Suave

This work Fica Suave (meaning: relax, it's going to be allright) is a multimedia project with photography, video and audio, and material from WhatsApp messages, about daily life in Villa Cruzeiro, Rio de Janeiro through the eyes of an 18-year-old girl.

The story shows the world of Thay. The story takes place over a period of several

years and portrays the daily life of Thay, a young girl who grows up in favela Vila

Cruzeiro in Rio de Janeiro. A world where violence is always present. In spite of the

danger and poverty, normal life continues, Thay is bursting with the joy of life and

keeps on going.

Thay lives in one of Rio’s most dangerous favelas, along with her mother and sister.

Partly due to the violence, the life of the favela takes place mainly in the limited

space of one’s own street, in the maze of alleys, in the small living rooms. Her

aunt, uncle, nieces and nephews live next to and opposite her in the same alley.

In Grandma’s house, everyone comes together to celebrate birthdays, sleep,

shower, and watch TV. Her friends live in the same neighborhood, they spend the

day together, at home and on the street, hanging out and playing. The sense of

community in this inward-looking and closed world is strong.

This is the trailer of an installation I made: https://vimeo.com/user88904499.

Fica Suave can also be presented as a photography edit.