Favela Layers

Rio de Janeiro’s favelas are far more than just hillside settlements; they are the vibrant, self-built heart of the city’s working-class culture. Born out of necessity in the late 19th century by soldiers and former slaves seeking a place to call home, these neighborhoods evolved into dense, interconnected hubs of unmatched ingenuity.This piece captures that complex tapestry. Houses are stacked tightly upon houses, a brilliant crowding of reds, yellows, and glowing greens pressed together against a hard blue sky. Down by the water, a solitary white van and a stall on stilts ground the scene in the quiet rhythm of daily life. It is an exploration of layers—not just of architectural structure, but of the distinct, resilient lives packed into every window and rooftop along the climb.

Medium

Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions

36 × 36 inches