Proyecto "Cafuné". Photography, 70 x 50 cm.

Cafuné, (noun) - Brazilian Portuguese - The act of tenderly stroking someone's hair with the fingers to relax or lull that person to sleep. Cafuné is a visual diary of my seven years working in Rio de Janeiro as a photographer. Not only on a professional level, but especially on a personal level. The focus of the project is mainly on the process of "Pacification" of the Favelas in Rio de Janeiro. In preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, the state launched a public safety program based on the establishment of "Pacifying Police Units" (UPP). In addition to pacification, sporting events (World Cup and the Olympics), the Pope's visit or the massive proposals in 2013, the series shown here offers information on high society, religion, the poorest communities, the exuberant local festive celebrations or the joy and sadness of a city as intense and unequal as Rio de Janeiro. This project is for me a reconciliation with a city of extremes. A "caress". A bittersweet farewell to a place, with the hope of honoring and remembering the people, circumstances and lives shared in the so-called Marvelous City.