Douglas Lopes

Douglas Lopes is a visual artist and photographer who hails from the Maré favela in Rio de Janeiro. He is known for his unique and sensitive approach to capturing images that reveal the life, culture, and challenges faced by the community where he grows 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 peripheral territories of Rio de Janeiro. His ability to create images that capture the essence and diversity of Maré contributes significantly to the appreciation of art and culture produced in this context. 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 beyond. His artistic trajectory and commitment to his community 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 music video showcase at the 2014 Curta Brasília Festival). In 2020, he directed the photography for the series “Marielle – o diário” directed by Caio Cavechini and Eliane Scardovelli for globoplay (winner of the 5th ABRA Screenplay Award, in the Best Screenplay for a Documentary Series category). Also in 2020, he directed the photography and interviews for the video Unifavela – o ENEM, a favela e o Coronavírus (winner of the 4th ABMES Journalism Award in the National Video category) for The Intercept Brasil. In 2021, he was responsible for the photography of the music video “E Você Diz” by artists Frejat, Jards Macalé and Luiz Melodia. In the same year, he was responsible for the direction, script and photography of the short film “É Preciso Estar Vivo Para Viver” (It's Necessary to Be Alive to Live), created especially for International Human Rights Day, in the context of the launch of the 3rd Campaign "We are from Maré! We Have Rights!". In 2023, he was one of the nominees by photography curator Sergio Burgi to participate in the MAST Photography Grant on Industry And Work.