The sculptures Zuzu were conceived on a summer morning in Rio when the heat melts the senses, and other realities begin to reveal themselves. As I walked towards Ipanema, the repeated curves of the boardwalk mesmerized me, and my eyes dove into a trance.

As I walked, the sidewalk came alive, pulsating. The curves transformed into silhouettes of bodies dancing, dissolving the contrasts of the black and white pavement. Feminine energy permeated everything.

I felt guided to navigate an ancient path with a gaze that transported me to an inexplicably different place.

I was born in Rio and grew up in Rio. How had I not realized it before?

RIO IS A WOMAN.