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'Samba Tram by Day' (diptych)
The day is bright with music and dance in Bairro Lapa, at the center of Rio de Janeiro. It is regarded as the cradle of bohemian life and has its own distinctive landmark, the Lapa Arches. Lapa inspires samba lyrics and it has been famous for its busy nightlife since the 1950's.
'Samba, Favela and Music at Sunset' (diptych)
The setting sun tints the sky a luminous orange as the spirit of samba reigns over the favela. Even the walls of houses vibrate to the festive beat. The only one oblivious to the celebrations is the faithful dog sleeping next to the musicians.
'Calla Lilies'
Tall and elegant, a bouquet of calla lilies captivates with pristine beauty. "I try to show a characteristic that most grabs my attention in the flowers I choose to paint, " confides Simone Valle.
'Merry Makers'
Raising their voices in joyful song, a trio of musicians creates a rhythmic cadence that reverberates in the brilliant colors of their kente cloth attire � a quintessentially African cultural expression.
'Apatampa Dancers'
A pair of Apatampa dancers appears in seductive silhouettes, their bodies adorned only with colorfully printed kente cloth skirts.
'Rio de Janeiro Favela'
Tucked amid strong vertical line, windows look out on bustling action. Busy line crosses insistent fields and paths wend their way skyward. Andre de Miranda evokes rather than depicts a favela, the informal urban neighborhoods around Rio de Janeiro.
'For Sale at Night'
Night fills the sky as windows open onto black abandon. Andre de Miranda depicts a gracious old mansion. Once enclosing gardens and groves, it now finds itself near the city center, the land it occupies more highly prized than the empty home.
'The Dove'
Bold line takes flight, its airy message one of peace. Merging the forms of woman and dove, Jacira Baptista creates a design of sublime beauty. "The woman dove turns to herself in search of peace. She flies to where nothing can interrupt her moment of harmony, " Baptista confides.
'Brother of the Sun'
In this elegant black and white abstract, Andr� de Miranda depicts a fantastical creature. Small and ambiguous, it seems both wild and tame. The bold contrast of solid fields of color with areas of texture reinforces the confrontation of feelings.
'Nocturnal Samba, Favela and Music' (diptych)
The moon is high with festive spirit as it rises over the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Hill and the favela. Everyone dances and sings to the samba beat, except for a dog sleeping next to the musicians.