Mangrove Ecosystem Inspires Brazilian Art Exhibition at CCBB Rio
The mangrove ecosystem serves as a central metaphor in the exhibition 'Manguezal' at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro, curated by Marcelo Campos. Running until 02 February 2026, the show explores interdependencies between humans, nature, and culture, drawing inspiration from Andrea Jakobsson's eponymous book. It features artists from different periods, including modernist Abelardo da Hora and Lasar Segall, contemporary figure Uýra Sodoma, and even references to Rio's Carnival. Campos highlights Brazil's global significance for mangroves, ecosystems crucial for coastal protection, while lamenting public confusion between mangroves and sewage. The exhibition includes a commissioned work, 'Movimento-grafia 10', by Azizi Cypriano, developed through deep immersion with the Quilombo do Feital community and photographer Laryssa Machada. It also celebrates the mangrove's presence in popular culture with an installation by carnival designers Gabriel Haddad and Leonardo Bora, and prototypes for the 2026 Grande Rio samba school parade. Coinciding with the eve of COP 30, Campos reflects on art's role in environmental awareness, arguing for the immediate symbolic power of artistic representation to prevent destruction. Admission is free.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Manguezal' is on view at CCBB Rio de Janeiro until 02 February 2026.
- Curator Marcelo Campos describes the mangrove as a metaphor for Brazilian art and experience.
- The show features artists from modernists like Abelardo da Hora to contemporary figures like Uýra Sodoma.
- A commissioned work by Azizi Cypriano involved deep collaboration with the Quilombo do Feital community.
- The exhibition includes elements linked to Rio's Carnival, including prototypes for the 2026 Grande Rio parade.
- Marcelo Campos notes Brazil is one of the planet's most important locations for mangrove ecosystems.
- The curator connects the exhibition's timing to the eve of the COP 30 climate conference.
- Admission to the exhibition at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro is free.
Entities
Artists
- Marcelo Campos
- Andrea Jakobsson
- Abelardo da Hora
- Lasar Segall
- Uýra Sodoma
- Azizi Cypriano
- Laryssa Machada
- Gabriel Haddad
- Leonardo Bora
- Antônio Gonzaga
- Celeida Tostes
- Conceição Evaristo
Institutions
- Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro (CCBB RJ)
- Museu de Arte do Rio
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- Guardiões do Mar
- Quilombo do Feital
- Grande Rio
- arte!brasileiros
- COP 30
Locations
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- Amapá
- Oiapoque
- Santa Catarina
- Laguna
- Baía de Guanabara
- Amazônia