Looming over glass and steel, red brick boxes with corrugated roofs creep and spread up the hillside, casting long shadows across the city beneath. In these winding alleys, souls are born like sparks, flaring bright against the night’s sky. Some burn longer, some vanish in a flash, but all leave their heavy traces on the landscape.

Over a 3-month period in 2024, Jermain Cikic immersed himself In the vibrant heart of Morro dos Prazeres, a favela nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Searching beyond reductive stereotypes of violence and poverty, the ’77 project examines the everyday beauty of tight-knit communities and vibrant, pulsating streets – where rules are organic and authority is fluid. Its images invite viewers to confront contradictions, absorbing harsh realities whilst celebrating human joy and resilience.

When living in the favela – as a temporary neighbour to its long-term residents – the camera allowed Cikic a chance to connect with those he encountered, whilst the subsequent act of careful image-making was a means to cement this mutual trust. At a nearby football project established by the artist’s friend, local children work to transform their fortunes, receiving mentorship, guidance and invaluable support. Underserved by state authorities in a place defined by deep inequality, sport forces open new life pathways – beyond the immediate maze of narrow streets and haphazard shacks.

Focusing on portraits of locals young and old, as well as capturing the neighbourhood’s many textures, Cikic illuminates a rich spectrum of human stories that are too often buried under hardship.

More info soon.