By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Thursday, January 15th, Galeria Homegrown (Homegrown Gallery) in Ipanema will host the opening night of the “As Cores do Rio” (The Colors of Rio), an exhibition of works by photographer and videographer Ronaldo Land. Celebrating skateboarding and urban culture in Rio de Janeiro, the exhibition will remain open through January 29th.
A skateboarder himself, Land, also know as “Jesus”, captures the world of skateboarding in Rio de Janeiro from an insider’s perspective. Citing German Expressionism and Film Noir as major influences, Land works with contrasting available light in his pieces.
At times, he creates silhouettes of the skateboarders moving across cityscapes and at other times, he plays with shadows and sunbursts as the skateboarders interact with the changing structures of Rio and the people who inhabit the city.
“I try to show day-to-day skating in large urban centers in an attempt to integrate it into the atmosphere and the routine of the city,” Land said in a prepared statement about his work. “The light is also important, it gives each photo a very, very large weight, almost becoming one of the characters.”
Interestingly, while the exhibition is entitled, “The Colors of Rio,” color is not one of the pieces’ main characteristics. The photographs are mostly in black and white.
It is also notable that the presentation of the works will mark the first time that the gallery hosts a collection of photographs taken in both digital and analog formats. Pieces in the exhibition range from 60×40 and 100×60.
The works will be well positioned at Galeria Homegrown, as the gallery was founded as a contemporary art space located above the Homegrown store, a clothing and footwear store known for its fashion that celebrates skate, graffiti, and urban culture.
Since its opening, the space has become well known for hosting up-and-coming, as well as established contemporary urban artists, photographers, designers, and illustrators.
What: As Cores do Rio Exhibition
When: Opening on Thursday, January 15th, 6PM-10PM. Exhibition will run through January 29th. Regular hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 10AM-10PM and Saturday, 12PM-6PM.
Where: Galeria Homegrown (Homegrown Gallery), Rua Maria Quitéria 68, Ipanema
Entrance: Free