After his first trip to Brazil in 1999, when Vincent Rosenblatt discovered Rio and the favelas that surrounded the official city, he returned from 2005 to 2010 to explore the world of Bailes Funk (parties where Funk Carioca, a kind of music, is played):
“Favela Baile Funk is surprising to the “outsider” because of its disciplinary codes, respect for others, boys or girls, dancers or junkies. A parade of pride, invention, group choreographic research, boys don’t approach girls unless they are invited, for reasons other than the simple fear of entering enemy gang territory. The ultra-sexual or ultra-combative lyrics act more as symbolic messages than invitations. Their elegant movements and steps bring the crowd into a trance like state, unperturbed by armed bandits rambling through the crowds, echoing the DJ’s samples with shots in the sky! (…) Above and beyond the festivites, the Baile Fun is a vital necessity, a cultural right the mostly afro-brazilian youth have claimed, without asking anyone’s opinion. In the state of Rio, 300 to 500 Bailes take place each week, despite the restrictions and constant repression, each attracting anywhere from 500 to 10,000 people.”
Vincent Rosenblatt
Until April 10
Maison Européenne de la Photographie
5/7 rue de Fourcy
75004 Paris
