For some years now, Doug Menuez has been working on a photo essay titled “A Sabedoria do Brasil (The Wisdom of Brazil)” that’s inspired by the sayings and proverbs of people from all walks of life in the South American country. His wife was born in Brazil, so it it’s only natural that the photojournalist in Doug would seek to understand her home by exploring it with his camera.
“Brazil is so diverse and so incredibly vast that even many Brazilians are not familiar with the different regions and subcultures,” he notes. “Indigenous, European and African influences blend today with Asian and Middle Eastern aspects. And each group brought its own rich history and traditions that continue today, including sayings and proverbs. These sayings and proverbs often provide real comfort and meaning while revealing the hidden roots and collective wisdom of the Brazilian psyche.”
Recently, the online photography magazine Life Force published an excerpt from the photo essay that centers on jangadeiros—traditional fisherman in Ceará who are named for their distinctive small boats, which are called jangadas.
“These fisherman sail boats of a traditional design that serves their purpose but are also known to be quite dangerous, especially in the treacherous waters off the Northeast coast in the Atlantic Ocean, says Doug, who ultimately hopes that his photo essay will serve as a bridge between the old and new Brazil.
See more at lifeforcemagazine.com: “A Sabedoria do Brasil”
And to view much more from the photo essay, visit the Projects page at menuez.com: “A Sabedoria do Brasil”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
Photo by Doug Menuez, from “A Sabedoria do Brasil.”
