“Distopia e Esperança” by Chris Laurito
Since I discovered photography as a form of language and expression, I have been traveling through isolated Brazilian Communities to connect with the people and photograph their lives. The photos published by Critica were taken in Bahia and Minas Gerais. This part of Brazil remains barely visible, neglected by public policies, and subject to power relations that oppress, threaten and reap human rights. In my travels, I hear stories marked by deprivation and suffering. Beyond their pain, I also find delicate hidden beauty. Beyond poverty and scarcity without perspective for change, I encountered generosity, laughter, hugs, and affection revealing the richness of human existence. Those forgotten Brazilians are synonymous with resistance, as they tirelessly struggle and fight in order to guarantee their piece of land, source of their livelihood, work and belonging. In the midst of societal oppression, they struggle to maintain dignity and build hope. With these images I aimed to register the impactful experience we had together, caught in between dystopia and hope, which led me to again re-encounter the power of dreams, the ones that once dreamed collectively, may unite us towards a hopeful future.
