Sculptures by Ascanio MMM

Ascanio MMM (Ascanio Maria Martins Monteiro) was born in Portugal in 1941, and became a Brazilian citizen in 1970. He is an architect by trade, who became a full time sculptor in 1976. His work is classified under neoconstructivism in Brazilian Contemporary Fine Arts.

His work can be seen at several public spaces, such as in front of highrise buildings and plazas in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Lisbon and Tokio. Some pieces are part of Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art's collection, and some others are part of private collections.

Using metal and wood, he plays with shapes, angles and volumes, creating unique geometrical forms, that resemble the ones studied in architecture school. He starts by creating a modular element that will be repeated as many times as needed to reach a different shaped form, horizontal or vertical, combining calculated curves with rigid straight lines.
Paralel to using modular forms created with raw materials used by industries, Ascanio also investigated the poetic possibilities produced by his final piece. One can notice the change in rhythm of these shapes depending on the light and shades formed.

Small weak pieces forming one large strong whole. It looks like to me he created a paralel to our human condition.

To see more of his work, visit his website: http://ascaniommm.com/

Marisa Monte - "Nao Va Embora"

Marisa Monte singing "Don't Go Away" from her CD "Memories, Chronicles and Declarations of Love". To learn more about this great Brazilian singer, visit her website: www.marisamonte.com.br

Copacabana Palace Hotel

The Copacabana Palace Hotel is located in front of the beach, in the Copacabana District, Rio de Janeiro. Construction started in 1919, and the building was inaugurated in 1923. The team was French architect Joseph Gire, and construction engineer César Melo e Cunha. The hotel was ordered by Brazilian President Epitacio Pessoa, who thought the capital of Brazil needed a luxurious hotel with a casino. The hotel became the only tall building in the area, surrounded only by small houses and mansions.

Later, the capital of Brazil was transfer to the City of Brasilia, and the hotel suffered a slow period of decadency, with its installations becoming obsolete. Its demolition was ordered, but it was prohibited by various public organizations, who classified the building as a protected historical and cultural estate. The old hotel was bought by Orient-Express Hotels and renovated to the latest building technologies.

Nowadays, the Copacabana Palace Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Brazil, and it's destination for national and international celebrities who visit Rio de Janeiro. It's also a very well recognized city landmark by Rio de Janeiro's inhabitants.

To see more photos of this beautiful hotel, visit their website: http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br/

Rio-City Program

Rio-City (Rio-Cidade) was an urban renewal program in the City of Rio de Janeiro in 1995/1996; a master plan for reconstruction of public areas, and improvement of urban standards. The image of the city needed to be restored from urban chaos. The project involved many districts troughout the city, including some of the most prominent Avenues and Plazas.

One of the primarily goals was to rearrange pedestrian and vehicle flows. Different sections of the sidewalks were set aside for placement of urban furniture. Those areas received different paving from the areas left for people to walk.

Historical Portuguese stone paving were restored. New illumination were added to enhance architectural details on buildings and for safety.

Trees were added in many plazas providing pedestrians with a more pleasant place to walk and protect against the hot sun. Busy intersections were painted to warn drivers to slow down.

The Project was considered a success by Rio de Janeiro's citizens, and by public and private sectors.

Cathedral of Brasilia by Oscar Niemeyer

This Cathedral was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1970. The building consists of sixteen boomerang-shaped concrete colums, with glazed panels around them, and a thin concrete slab on top. Columns are held in place by a concrete ring at the base.

Originally, the concrete was exposed, but later painted white to preserve the material and contrast with other colors.

The access to the building is through a descending ramp that is framed with statues of the Apostles.

One needs to pass through a dark space to get to the inside of the building that has abundant light. It's the paralel Niemeyer did of the human soul finding redemption.

Intent

Help disseminate the rich and broad Brazilian culture, which produce amazing architecture, intriguing art, inspiring writings, and beautiful melodies.