This capoeira-inspired story reclaims presence and power for the youth of São Paulo
“We intertwined capoeira with childhood elements like balls, hula hoops and free movement, highlighting the innocence and humanity of children facing social vulnerability,” explains Brazilian photographer Alexandre Delfino of his latest work. “These playful objects blur the lines between play and struggle, showing capoeira as a space for imagination and dreams, besides already being a tool for afro-diasporic culture resistance.”
These striking images and rhythmic film were shot in aid of the Pé de Anjo project. Founded by Neide and Mestre Pé de Anjo and based in Embu, São Paulo, the empowering social initiative offers a safe space for kids and teens in unstable situations and uses the Brazilian art of capoeira to create community as well as helping them to build identity and resilience.
The team drew inspiration from Lygia Pape’s 1968 participatory performance art-piece and living sculpture, ‘Divisor’. Originally performed at the Río de Janeiro Museu de Arte Moderna in 1968, it saw audience members moving as a whole under a single piece white fabric, serving to visual the idea of individuals uniting to become part of something bigger. “We wanted to emphasise the tension between individuality and collective movement,” Delfino adds. “This mirrors the fluidity of capoeira, where attack and defense transform into a dance of connection and transformation.”
“We’re showing capoeira as a space for imagination and dreams and a tool for afro-diasporic culture resistance"
Photography Alexandre Delfino
Creative direction Lucas Fernandes
Film direction Eduardo Ohara Junior
and Maria Marinho
Styling Juliana Santos
Cinematography Eduardo Ohara Junior
and Rafael Rufus
Executive production Rafaela Andrioli
Production assistance Gabriellison Silva
Special thanks Projeto Pé de Anjo,
Neide Soares,
Antonio Carlos,
6team,
Prefeitura de Taboão da Serra
Words Miriam Bouteba
Published on 08/04/2025