18th Century Rio, when Rio became the capital
07/08/2015 — 05/08/2016
MAR – Museu de Arte do Rio, RJ
The exhibition 18th Century Rio, when Rio became the capitalproposes a visual path through which to enter this century of its history. In the 18th century Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the vice-kingdom of Brazil and effectively transformed into the city that we know today: a meeting point between culture and commerce, a centre of urbanity and the symbol of Brazilianness across the world.
From 18th century Rio, from the Rio of gold, baroque and rococo, from the slaves of Valongo and from the palace of the viceroys, survivals remained. Of the Rio that was destroyed, what is ungrateful heritage? Certainly it was in the 18th century that Rio ensured its aesthetic fame. The marvellous city unites natural beauty with urban beauty, an idea recurrent in adverts, political proposals and even criticisms. Also at that moment, the black population expanded, although always on the margins, and the natives, so important in the struggle for possession and foundation of the city together with the Portuguese, simply disappeared from records of Carioca development.
Rio de Janeiro is a place privileged by nature, but it is also a consequence of its complex and contradictory history. The exhibition seeks to enter these issues through MAR collection of works and other institutions such as Convento de Santo Antônio and Fundação Biblioteca Nacional.
Credits
Video
Automatica has been developing cultural projects since 2005, working in the creation, production, curation, management, coordination and consultancy of exhibitions, educational programs, publications and other activities related to artistic production. It works with artists, curators, art critics, art historians, cultural institutions, public and private sponsors. It participates in public notices and awards, and prepares projects for incentive laws in the three spheres of public administration.
Rua Gal. Dionísio, 53
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
+55 21 3283 1558