Douglas Lopes

Douglas Lopes is a visual artist and photographer originally from the Maré favela in Rio de Janeiro. He stands out for his sensitive approach to capturing images that reveal the life, culture, and challenges faced in the area where he grew up. His photographs often portray everyday and intimate aspects of Maré, conveying deep emotions and narratives. He is also known for exploring themes of identity, belonging, and resistance in his visual works, using photography as a tool to document and express the complexity of life in the suburbs and favela areas of Rio de Janeiro. His skill in creating images that capture the essence and diversity of Maré contributes significantly to the appreciation of the art and culture produced in the area. In addition to his work as a photographer, Douglas Lopes is also involved in projects and initiatives that promote art, education, and community development in Maré and other regions. His artistic trajectory and commitment to his territory are inspiring examples of the transformative power of art and creativity.

Photographer for Lona Cultural da Maré from 2013 to 2017. Photographer for the community newspaper Maré de Notícias from 2017 to 2020; and Photographer and Videomaker for Redes da Maré from 2017 to the present day. In 2014, he provided photography assistance for the music video Na Yawa – Oghene Kologbo (part of the competitive video clip exhibition at the 2014 Curta Brasília Festival). In 2020, he directed the photography for the series "Marielle – the documentary," directed by Caio Cavechini and Eliane Scardovelli for Globoplay, which won the 5th ABRA Screenplay Award and Best Screenplay for a Documentary Series and was screened at the Berlinale Series Market, Berlin Film Festival 2021. Also in 2020, he directed the photography and interviews for The Intercept Brasil for the short film "Unifavela – the ENEM, the favela, and the Coronavirus," which won the 4th ABMES Journalism Award in the National Video category. In 2021, he photographed the music video "E Você Diz" by artists Frejat, Jards Macalé, and Luiz Melodia. That same year, he directed, wrote, and photographed the short film "É Preciso Estar Vivo Para Viver," created especially for International Human Rights Day, in the context of the launch of the 3rd "We Are from Maré! We Have Rights!" Campaign. In 2023, he was nominated by photography curators Sergio Burgi and Tatiana Altbert to participate in the MAST Photography Grant on Industry and Work.