Five Names You Need To Know

Last year my family and I spent Christmas and New Year's in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was my second visit to Rio after having gone for the first time during the 2014 Soccer World Cup. With each trip, I have found a new reason to return. There is so much more to Rio besides the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio is a vibrant city with a deep heritage, where culture, music and art, primarily street art, can be found at every turn.

JMZ Walls, Brooklyn 2016 || Picture by Katherine Gomez
Brazilian artist Marcelo Ment. Currently on display at 10-37 Broadway

 LIC, Queeens 2016 || Picture by Katherine Gomez
Work by Bruno Big and Marcelo Ment.
Currently on display at 43-01 21st

During my last trip to Rio, I was fortunate enough to get in contact with a local street artist by the name of Nina, who also happens to run a very successful street art tour business. Nina is a wonderful gal, who is very knowledgeable about each of the artists she features during her tours. She is passionate about her work and that of the artists. She is also fervently in love with Rio, and it shows. During the tour I was introduced to some street artists who I think are worthy of mention, and who coincidentally have done work in NYC in the last few months. In no particular order here are some artists whose work I think you will enjoy:

1. Marcelo Ment
2. Bruno Big
3. Wark
4. Tomaz Viana
5. Tito Na Rua

It's important to note that street art in the city of Rio is legal. In March 2009, an amendment to a federal law was made. The amendment allowed street artists to  display their work legally on urban buildings as long as the property owner granted consent. The street art scene in Rio, thanks in part to this change in law, has flourished, making Rio a prime destination for street art viewing. Artists from around the world are interested in the style and content of Rio street art. This has created an opportunity for Brazilian artists to be recognized internationally.