Rio de Janeiro's NegroMuro Project Celebrates Black Heritage Through Murals
The mural project honouring the Black cultural heritage of Rio de Janeiro – photo essay

Image: Theguardian
The NegroMuro project in Rio de Janeiro, initiated by Pedro Rajão and Fernando Sawaya, aims to honor the city's Black cultural heritage through 80 murals depicting prominent Afro-descendant figures. Recognized as part of the city's intangible cultural heritage, the project addresses the historical underrepresentation of Black individuals in public monuments.
- 01Less than 10% of Rio's 360 public statues commemorate Black individuals, prompting the creation of the NegroMuro project.
- 02The project features 80 murals portraying around 120 figures, with a focus on historical recognition in underfunded neighborhoods.
- 03The first mural was created in tribute to Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, highlighting the lack of Black representation in the city.
- 04One of their notable works is a 20-meter mural of writer Conceição Evaristo, located in the culturally rich area known as Little Africa.
- 05The project emphasizes beauty and positivity in its portrayal of Black history, steering away from themes of pain.
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The NegroMuro project, initiated by Pedro Rajão and Fernando Sawaya in Rio de Janeiro, aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Afro-descendant individuals to the city's cultural heritage. With fewer than 10% of the city's 360 statues honoring Black figures, the project has created 80 vibrant murals depicting approximately 120 notable individuals, including writers, activists, and musicians. The murals are primarily located in the north zone of Rio, focusing on areas that are often overlooked despite their significant Black populations. The project began with a mural of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, emphasizing the need for representation of Black figures in public spaces. One of the standout pieces is a 20-meter mural of Conceição Evaristo in the Little Africa neighborhood, which serves as a cultural hub for Afro-descendants. Rajão and Sawaya aim to convey beauty and positivity through their art, moving away from narratives of pain associated with Black history. Their work has gained recognition as part of the city's intangible cultural heritage, and they continue to expand their efforts through workshops and commissions in other Brazilian cities.
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The NegroMuro project enhances cultural recognition and pride within Rio's Afro-descendant communities.
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