A Portrait of Rio

A Portrait
of Rio

Rio de Janeiro is a legendary city — a cultural cauldron — shaped by indigenous, Afro-Atlantic, and European influences. It tells a story of contrasts, where natural phenomena coexist with the legacies of colonization and transatlantic slavery. Built upon the ancient lands of the Tupinambá (indigenous tribe of Rio) whose memory is reflected in neighborhoods like Ipanema and Copacabana with their original names, the city retains traces of its past embedded in its urban fabric and surroundings. To be Carioca—a name given to the city’s residents—is to embrace a way of life that thrives on spontaneity and the pursuit of joy. It’s all about the emoção, the feeling; life is meant to be felt and celebrated. Samba, carnival, and the beach aren’t just traditions—they’re part of a shared identity that belongs to every Carioca, no matter their social or economic standing. Our workshop is an invitation to step into Rio’s layered narrative, letting its energy and magic work its way inside of your vision.

We’ve reserved a gorgeous villa in Santa Teresa, a charming bohemian neighborhood perched on a hill in the heart of Rio. With stunning views and convenient access to our photo day trips, it’s our home away from home where we will come together, share our work and process our experiences while savoring traditional Brazilian home-cooked meals.

This tour is an immersive exploration of culture and identity. We’ll step into Little Africa, Rio’s historic Afro-Brazilian neighborhood where nearly two million enslaved Africans arrived at Valongo Wharf. The region became a vibrant center of resistance and cultural expression, with landmarks like Pedra do Sal, birthplace of samba, and Instituto Pretos Novos, built over a cemetery for newly arrived Africans.

We’ll witness the Mangueira community come together as one of Rio’s most iconic samba schools prepares its bateria (percussion orchestra) and passistas for next year’s grand parade. At Tenda Espírita, one of Rio’s earliest Umbanda terreiros, we’ll experience a profound ceremony that weaves together African, Indigenous, Catholic, and Spiritist traditions.

Beyond these cultural sites, we will experience Rio’s contrasts—from the lively beaches of Ipanema to the lush Atlantic rainforest and the maze-like alleys of Vidigal. The city’s brutalist architecture, like the Museum of Modern Art, stands in striking contrast to its natural landscapes, creating a dynamic interplay between urban design and organic beauty. Each location reveals a distinct facet of Rio, yet all are deeply interconnected.

We will end our retreat by stepping outside the city, to the colonial fishing village of Paraty offering a reflective contrast, where time slows down among cobblestone streets and quiet beaches.

As with all our retreats, we guide participants in shaping their artistic identities and bringing their ideas to life through imagery. Through collaborative editing sessions, we help craft portfolios that beautifully reflect each participant’s unique creative journey.