The Love Headquarters

(Representation of a favela at the Museo de Arte do Rio)

The people of Rio love, they mean it and want to spread it. 

During my first week in Rio I have found red hearts plastered all over the city - a lot of red hearts! But what's interesting to me is that more often than not, the hearts are drawn as a symbol of good-will, hope, change, or a deep sense of pride for what means most to locals.

A lot of people find passion to be the common denominator of the flagship cultural traits of Cariocas. I believe the passion we all perceive in their poetry, music, dance, etc. is their unique expression of a collective spirit of love for everything that is good and true to them.

This love, passion and heart tattooed city is a Brazilian gift to the world because it is a one-of-a-kind reminder to come as you are, to express your inner-most dreams and to simply love more! #maisamor

("Vandalism" on street signs around the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon)

(Painted tiles at the General Osorio metro station representing the Carnaval bloco "Simpatia é quase amor" of Ipanema)