BAIRRO BOMBAS

This photographic project, titled "Bairro Bombas", presents a documentary exploration of the Quilombo Bairro Bombas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. (more info below)

Bairro Bombas

The Silence of the Forest: Portraits of Bairro Bombas

The project uses black and white portraiture to capture the current residents of a quilombo facing a significant population decline.  With its population dwindling in the last 20 years, the future of the community hangs in the balance. Younger generations are increasingly drawn to the opportunities of city life, leaving the traditional, isolated way of life behind.  This project aims to visually document the human stories and faces behind this critical turning point for Bairro Bombas.
The decision to utilize black and white photography serves a specific purpose.  The vibrant colors of the surrounding forest, while visually stunning, can often distract from the central focus of the project: the people of Bairro Bombas.  By stripping away color, the black and white format emphasizes the emotive expressions and personal narratives etched on the faces of the community members.  This visual approach allows the viewer to connect more deeply with the human element of the story.

The project also highlights the unique geographical context of Bairro Bombas.  This isolated quilombo, accessible only by jungle trails, represents a vanishing way of life.  The lack of road access underscores the community's historical and ongoing struggle to preserve its cultural heritage in the face of modernization.
This photographic documentation serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of the Bairro Bombas community.  The portraits capture the human stories behind the population decline, offering a glimpse into a disappearing world and raising awareness about the challenges faced by quilombos in contemporary Brazil.