In Brazil, the peculiar conditions of the favelas (shanty-towns) of Rio de Janeiro encouraged encounters with women for whom crime, violent death of someone close or of a son, and gratuitous repression form part of everyday life.
In August 2008, JR pasted giant-format portraits of women living the Morro da Providência favela on some 40 houses: for the first time, Morro was spoken of because of art, instead of its reputation as the most dangerous favela of Rio.
In April 2009, JR returned to Brazil, not only to organise a major exhibition in the streets of Rio and a local museum, but also to inaugurate the «La Casa Amarela» (Yellow House), a cultural center specially for children, right in the heart of the favela. Through this project, JR wishes to create a zone of freedom and creativity, accessible to all inhabitants of Morro da Providência, so that culture will never leave the area again.
Reportage France 3
Women the project worldwide :
