Image by Pedro Lobo

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Favelas: Architecture of Survival, a solo exhibition by photographer Pedro Lobo at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau Street in historic Charleston, S.C. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pedro Lobo is a Brazilian-born photographer who began documenting the long-lived favelas, or shantytowns, around Rio de Janeiro.  His photographic landscapes hint at organized chaos as homes scale the hills behind tourist, official Rio.  Lobo’s photographs capture the hardening of these urban spaces as people put down roots and community develops.  These beautifully composed images do not shy away from the sprawl, or the hardships of the favelas, yet they are filled with optimism necessary for life in these marginalized urban neighborhoods.  Favelas: Architecture of Survival has been previously exhibited in Brazil, China, Denmark, Germany and Portugal, however the exhibit at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park will be the first time this work has gone on display in the U.S.  It will include more than 40 large format prints.  Favelas: Architecture of Survival is sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, the Art Institute of Charleston, and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston. Lobo is an international artist in residence at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art for the month of October.

Favelas: Architecture of Survival photographs by Pedro Lobo will exhibit from October 21 to November 23 at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, located at 34 Prioleau Street. The opening reception is Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, is a venue for contemporary artwork that is new, vital and innovative, with a focus on broadening Charleston’s arts outlook.  The City Gallery provides access to the visual arts for everyone in Charleston, S.C., visitors and residents alike, by offering exhibits that are all admission-free. The City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau St. in downtown Charleston, S.C., and gallery hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, please call or e-mail the City Gallery at (843) 958-6484 or CityGallery@charleston-sc.gov and visit www.charlestonarts.sc or www.charleston-sc.gov.