PATRICIA PARINEJAD “encontro” OSCAR NIEMEYER (English Version)

Oscar Niemeyer is one of the most renowned architects of our time, whose remarkable lifework can be admired in different countries around the world. This exhibition "encontro" (encounter) represents a very special occasion since it will actually be held in one of Niemeyer's architectural masterpieces marking the celebration of his 103 rd birthday.

The work is represented as Fine Art Prints on Hahnemühle William Turner with an water color structure which confers a special impression to the images. Patricia Parinejad's work takes a remarkable and unusual view of Niemeyer's architecture. Instead of aiming to achieve a sleek and stylish result focusing on formal structures - as so often is the case in architectural photography - she prefers a more vivid approach focusing affectionately on momentary details but also taking a look at the building's embeddedness within its natural surroundings and the interaction with people whose presence lend it purpose.

In a clear and almost intimate way, she illustrates the beauty inherent in his weathered but timeless work, revealing their character and unique identity bestowed upon them by the indifferent and sprawling proliferation of the surrounding vegetation and reflected awareness and the feelings induced in the many people who occupy it. Protective, benign, aging, patient, stoic, dreaming, reaching out to the stars, wise, sometimes a little abashed.

In her own words, she explains why she decided to endeavour on this particular project: "In being the first woman shooting Oscar Niemeyer's buildings I have developed an open, yet intimate and fresh feminine dialogue in my photographic approach. Conceptual - free - sensual and human - investigating forms textures and spaces in intimate details and close-ups, contexts with nature and human beings, documenting the flow of reflections, light and shadow, visualizing dimensions, reinforcing his own vision and paying tribute to this great central figure of Brazilian architectural modernism and the people of his country."

Parinejad's enchanting photographs demonstrates that great architecture is much more than glass, reinforced concrete, wood and iron, but creates bonds, provides shelter and inspires love.

For more information on the photographer click here.
The Niteroi Museum of Contemporary Art, Rio de Janeiro, is online here.