WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Brazil is known for samba, caipirinhas and football, but its thriving contemporary art, design and architecture scene makes it a creative destination worth adding to your bucket list.

The country holds a special place in my heart. I spent a lot of time in Rio de Janeiro as a child, and one of my fondest memories is walking along Copacabana with my father, mesmerised by the black-and-white tiles underfoot as we made our way to the beach. I was fascinated by those tiles then and, 30 years later, nothing has changed. Brazilian surface design is among the best in the world, and there’s no better place to discover the latest styles than Expo Revestir.

For those who are unfamiliar, Expo Revestir is the largest trade fair for tiles, surfaces and sanitary ware in South America. Held annually in São Paulo, the event showcases the latest trends and eco-conscious innovations from leading Brazilian brands.

While I didn’t jet off to this year’s expo, I paid close attention to the surfaces unveiled. Throughout the five-day event, I noticed one major recurring theme: a return to nature. From earthy textures and colours to patterns and materiality, here are five standout launches that placed nature front and centre.

Perhaps the best example of this natural focus came from Studio Morandin. The brand’s new Pau a Pique line, which won the ‘Best Ceramic Design Brazil’ award at the show, captures the essence of the natural world with its loamy tile design. The idea for Pau a Pique came to director Antônio Carlos Carvalho as he walked through the company’s yard. Seeing cracked clay on the ground, he sought to reproduce its nuanced texture.

Similarly, at Manufatti Revestimentos, the Cariri and Laguna ceramics – developed in collaboration with São Paulo-based architectural designer Marilia Pellegrini – draw their inspiration from Brazil’s extreme landscapes. ‘Cariri’ evokes the arid landscape of Brazil’s north-east, while ‘Laguna’, a city in Santa Catarina, recalls the serene coastal atmosphere of the south.

Nina Martinelli, a brand known for its handcrafted ceramic surfaces, cobogós and material-driven aesthetics, debuted its Brasiliano tile. Part of the CICLOS Collection, the tile is characterised by its uneven, hand-hewn, organic texture. Here, natural clay takes on a living texture, striking a balance between raw and refined.

At LEPRI Ceramiche, eco-based materials and sustainability took centre stage. The brand highlighted its Bio Colore tile range, made in limited batches with a special biological glaze, created by LepriLab using wood-fired kiln ash and recycled glass. There are three soft hues in LEPRI Ceramiche’s Bio Colore collection – cremma, pistacchio (pictured above), and cielo.

While brands like Manufatti Revestimentos and Nina Martinelli both debuted new cobogó lines, it was LEPRI Ceramiche’s Cobogó Urca that stole the show with its nod to nature. Directly inspired by the form of Morro da Urca in Rio de Janeiro (the hill at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain), the breeze block reinterprets the traditional cobogó through a contemporary lens. | en.exporevestir.com.br

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WORDS Julia Franco PHOTOS Rawpixel; Supplied

I’m Brazilian, but there are many places in my country I’ve yet to explore – and I’ve long dreamt of road-tripping through Brazil’s north and northeast regions. They’re areas less frequented by tourists, filled with small, vibrant towns and playful, colourful communities. A visit to Brazil’s largest crafts fair in Recife gave me the perfect excuse to pack my bags for a five-week journey with my husband and son. It would be a 1 800km road trip through northeastern Brazil, with a couple of weeks in São Paulo.

We started in Recife, then wound our way past charming coastal towns like Maceió, Milagres and Porto de Galinhas, before finally reaching Salvador. Along the way, we stopped at Fenearte in Recife – a fair showcasing the work of more than 5 000 artisans – and visited the artists’ homes and studios, getting first-hand experience of their creative process.

Ilha Do Ferro, Alagoas State

One place that truly stole my heart was Ilha do Ferro, a peaceful village on the banks of the São Francisco River in the backlands of Alagoas. With about 500 residents, it is one of Brazil’s off-the-beaten-track gems for artisanal crafts and popular art. You’re able to wander around workshops, and see work emerging from clay, stone, wood, thread and paint, experiencing the authenticity of the place and the hospitality of its colourful residents.

Fernando started late in life, making his first piece for sale at the age of 40. By 70, he was presenting his work all over the world, and had created Boca do Vento atelier. He basically taught the entire village to create art; today, it’s home to dozens of artists specialising in wood carving and embroidery, especially a unique technique known as boa noite (“good night”). In front of their homes, in improvised workshops, in squares, on the banks of the river, men and women continue to tell history in tactile renderings.

The artists in Ilha do Ferro don’t cut down any of the wood they use – they work only on trees that had fallen. As soon as a tree falls, they start to divide and share it. Thin branches become chandeliers made by Wandinho; roots go to Zé Crente (the gravedigger); long bark is sent to Vavan to make benches; and smaller pieces are used by brothers Salvinho and Cícero to create their signature pieces of a man carrying a bird on his head.

São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas State

We originally planned to stay in São Miguel dos Milagres for just two nights – but once we saw it, that turned into six days. Words can’t really do this charming village justice. There are tons of artisans to visit, and plenty of shops filled with art from surrounding areas, making everything feel connected to the place and the people. The laid-back vibe, great food and colourful houses make this an ideal spot for contemplation – and the restaurants have no set menus, serving whatever is fresh and available that day.

Salvador, Bahia State

The former capital of Brazil, Salvador is a city like no other. Called the “Capital of Happiness”, it is known for its vibrant African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Its week-long carnival celebrations are legendary, and the city pulses with artistic energy, music, art and colonial-era architecture that’s gone untouched since the 18th century.

Arriving in Salvador is like stepping into history. It was the site of the first slave market in the New World, where enslaved Africans arrived to work on sugar plantations.

Today, the city reflects a blend of European, African and indigenous cultures, and is gaining recognition as a major hub for artistic and cultural expression in South America. It’s proudly cementing its place as the epicentre of the arts, breathing new life into centuries-old traditions.

I have a deep connection to Salvador. In my teenage years, I spent holidays there with family and friends, and I feel that a big part of Nosso comes from that energy. We decided to stay in the heart of the historical part of the city, to soak it all in. On our first day exploring the cobblestone streets, we stumbled upon a small gallery run by an Italian couple, where – to our surprise and delight – we discovered an original piece by J. Borges, a great woodcut artist in northeastern Brazil and one of the most celebrated masters of the art. His work has been showcased around the world, including at the Louvre and the Smithsonian Institution. We later learnt that he passed away just two days after our visit to the gallery.

São Paulo, São Paulo State

São Paulo – Brazil’s most populous city, and the most populous Portuguese-speaking city in the world – is a global powerhouse in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment. It’s also the city I know best – it’s where I’m from. During our stay, two major events took place: CasaCor, an architectural showcase; and Abup, a trade show for store owners. These fairs hold a special place in my heart because I used to attend them with my grandmother, who owned several decor and furniture shops. I was always excited to accompany her; being at these events again brought back many memories.

Some of the artists and brands that were present during my childhood still participate today. A particularly emotional moment was meeting a supplier whose family brand has passed down through generations; she told me how my grandmother was their only client when they first started out, and how their brand grew from there. That sense of intergenerational connection is something I’ll always cherish. It was an honour to introduce myself as her granddaughter, and I felt proud to continue the relationship she had built all those years ago – especially now, with Nosso! | nosso.co.za

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WORDS & PHOTOS Gina Dionisio

Brazil is celebrated for its vibrant design scene and its deep-rooted connection to both tradition and innovation. This was on full display at Expo Revestir 2025, the largest tile, surfaces, and sanitary ware trade fair in South America. Held in São Paulo – a hub for creativity and business in Brazil – the event showcased the latest trends and eco-conscious innovations by leading Brazilian brands. This marks our second year attending the event, and it didn’t disappoint. From stunning textures and bold patterns to sustainable materials, here are some of the highlights from the show.

IT’S ALL ABOUT TEXTURE

Think tactile tiles and three-dimensional architectural panels.

Ceusa’s Lapa tile stood out with its sophisticated 3D undulations, while Castelatto’s Poente Etrusco Colours tile, with its rippled surface, offered a divine dynamic yet subtle texture (it reminded me of ripples in an ice cream sundae).

At Portobello, the Território range – designed by Brazilian architect Rodrigo Fagá – presents a three-dimensional reinterpretation of traditional ceramic mosaics. However, the brand’s most striking textured collection was the Fita. This range draws inspiration from modernist architecture, particularly the principles of Le Corbusier, and is crafted using sururu shell waste, a mollusc native to Alagoas, Brazil.

The Basalt Decor Curve and Basalt Decor Line tiles from Portinari embrace a Brutalist aesthetic with their sharp, angular lines and bold, commanding presence.

PATTERN PARTY

From mosaics and geometric designs to brushstroke-inspired prints – patterns were indeed everywhere.

The pastel pastilhas aka mosaics display at ​Strufaldi Revestimentos Cerâmicos stopped me in my tracks. Their Renaissance collection is fully customisable with endless colour and pattern combinations.

At Embramaco Cerâmica, a range of striking designs in muted tones featured geometric patterns, while Karina paid homage to retro tiles with their Ducale range, which includes a delectable on-trend Mocha shade. Meanwhile, Aylla’s Calore range stood out thanks to its linear patterns and subtly “etched” geometrical details.

ViaRosa Porcelanato‘s porcelain Metropole Organic tile, with its abstract watercolour-esque pattern, was another highlight. The tile was a Best in Show 2025 finalist.

The Scuba collection at Portobello was visually striking. Characterised by its interplay between glossy areas and matte surfaces, the collection evokes the fluidity and movement of water, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of the ocean. Another visually interesting range at Portobello was the Haptic collection – a collaboration with Brazilian visual artist Vik Muniz – which explores the different characteristics of paper and the subtle nuances of watercolour.

BLOCKS ARE BIG

Cobogós (aka Breeze Blocks) come in a variety of interesting shapes, sizes and finishes.

It’s no secret that we love Breeze Blocks at VISI (we’ve run features on them in the past), and these blocks are big business in Brazil. Manufatti Revestimentos had the most extensive range of decorative blocks on display. Their glazed Esmaltado line – inspired by the concept of the Rhizome – was particularly eye-catching.

At DeRosso geometric-shaped cobogós took centre stage. Their Quada, Cubo and Grid block (another Best in Show 2025 finalist) draw inspiration from modernism and industrial aesthetics.

Portobello displayed their glossy Aquarelle cobogós (also part of the Haptic collection mentioned above). Available in various colours, such as Natural, Green, Yellow, Blue, Red, and White, these blocks offer a unique aesthetic.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

There were several brands doing interesting things with reclaimed materials.

Lepri, a brand known for championing eco-friendly materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and innovative design, showcased their Olaria Índigo collection. Sustainably produced, the Olaria Índigo tiles are made from recycled denim fibres. Developed in LepriLab, in collaboration with a local denim manufacturer, the collection aims to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry by transforming waste into design.

The brand also highlighted its Bio Colore tiles, which are made in limited batches with a special glaze created by LepriLab using ashes from a wood-fired oven. This approach repurposes natural waste materials, reducing environmental impact. The result? A collection of three soft hues (cremma, pistacchio, and cielo) which celebrate the philosophy of “slow ceramics”.

The Nagomi Collection, a collaboration between Mirage and architect-designer Hadi Teherana, is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and environmental responsibility. The tiles are made with recycled materials, specifically the crushed glass from cathode ray tubes of old monitors and televisions.

Among Palazzo Revestimentos‘ new releases was Loop – a truly captivating terrazzo-like tile that incorporates discarded button waste from the textile industry.

COLOUR-DRENCHED BATHROOMS

Colourful grouting? Check. Fixtures in primary hues? Yes. Basins in bold shades? Why not. Colourful bathrooms are fun and I’m a fan.

Roca’s collaboration with Studio Inma Bermúdez on the Nu Collection – a striking collection of taps – is playful and bold. Available in six glossy colours (green, blue, yellow, black, white, and chrome), the collection has already won numerous international design awards since its launch.

Axell Banheiras e SPAs, known for their high-quality bathtubs and spas, showcased a vibrant collection of basins in an array of striking colours. These basins are crafted from the brand’s waste materials, including recycled acrylic from their bathtubs.

Colourful grouting might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Ceramfix‘s display made a compelling case for it. It’s a great way to add a dose of colour to a bathroom, especially if you want to experiment with bold hues without committing to a wall of colourful tiles. | en.exporevestir.com.br

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WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Paul R Burley (Auditório Ibirapuera); Jo Buitendach; Supplied

São Paulo is Brazil’s vibrant financial centre, and a frenetic melting pot of a metropolis, where wealth and poverty exist side by side. It’s a gritty urban space, known for its thriving contemporary art scene, striking design and a multitude of street art. It is also bursting with architectural gems, especially for fans of Brazilian Modernism who know their Niemeyers from their Bo Bardis. If you’re thinking of adding São Paulo to your travel bucket list, here is a round-up of some of its unmissable museums, must-see architecture, cool design stores and chic hotels.

WHAT TO SEE

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) is housed in an architectural complex that was created by Oscar Niemeyer in the 1950s. Niemeyer is probably Brazil’s most celebrated architect, and a star of the global modernist movement. The museum has a collection of more than 10 000 works by international artists including Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró, as well as Brazilians Anita Malfatti, Tarsila do Amaral and Lygia Clark.

The Brazilian Museum of Sculpture (MuBE) is a dream for fans of striking architectural design and hefty amounts of concrete. Designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha in the mid- 1980s, the building – a sculpture itself – features a large concrete beam and partially buried platform. mube.space

For art and architecture buffs, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is unmissable. Located on bustling Paulista Avenue, the 1960s building – which is suspended above a public square – was designed by Italian-born Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. One of the most significant Brazilian architects of the 20th century, she also designed the glass easels upon which the works are installed. The museum’s long-term exhibition, “Gallery in Transformation”, is an unbeatable introduction to Brazilian art. masp.org.br

Opened in 1954 to celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary, Ibirapuera Park is one of Latin America’s largest urban parks – and home to several Oscar Niemeyer-designed buildings. They have become key landmarks of modern Brazilian architecture, and include the Biennial Pavilion, the Auditório Ibirapuera and the Oca exhibition space.

The Afro Brazil Museum, located inside Ibirapuera Park, is also worth visiting – it contains 6 000 works related to black African and Afro-Brazilian culture, and is housed in another Oscar Niemeyer building. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the striking yet controversial modernist Monument to the Bandeiras at the entrance to the park. museuafrobrasil.org.br

Beco do Batman, or Batman Alley, is a pedestrianised area in the Vila Madalena neighbourhood, known for its colourful graffiti and street art. São Paulo has a thriving graffiti scene, and this bohemian area is the best place to see it. Definitely stop at A Sétima Galeria, a graffiti and street-art gallery, where you can buy a work by a local graffiti artist to take home. a7ma.com.br

Pinacoteca de São Paulo is situated in downtown São Paulo and houses a wide array of Brazilian art, including 19th- century sculptures, modernist works and contemporary art. The building itself is worth a visit: a beautiful juxtaposition of old and new, it was refurbed in 1993 under the watchful eye of Paulo Mendes da Rocha. pinacoteca.org.br

WHERE TO SPEND IT

At Dpot Objeto – an offshoot of Dpot, a store that sells contemporary Brazilian furniture – you’ll find smaller design objects by more than 200 artists, architects, artisans and folk artists. dpotobjeto.com.br

Atelier Carlos Motta was founded in 1978 by award-winning architect and designer Carlos Motta. He and his team design and make environmentally and socially responsible furniture and sculptures. The atelier is brimming with prototypes of his iconic work, including his most emblematic piece – the Asturias rocking chair. Made of reclaimed wood, the chair can be seen in the permanent collection of the Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE) in Lisbon, Portugal. carlosmotta.com

Just downstairs from the atelier is Attom – a partnership between Carlos and his son, Diego. They develop sustainable, simple and sophisticated utility products, making Attom the perfect spot to pick up environmentally responsible pieces as a reminder of your holiday. These include handcrafted bowls made of reclaimed and FSC-certified wood. attomdesign.com

Marcenaria Baraúna is an architecture studio that designs and creates furniture and wooden objects, from start to finish. They take wood very seriously, focusing on its sustainability, feel, texture and colour. Baraúna also sells iconic works, such as the 1986 Giraffe chair designed by Marcelo Ferraz, Marcelo Suzuki and Lina Bo Bardi. barauna.com.br

Prototype is a home design brand that smoothly combines its Brazilian roots with an industrial aesthetic. The business was started 10 years ago by designer and architect Felipe Protti; the design items on show are a retro – but modern – melange of aluminium, leather and wood. prototypesp.com.br

WHERE TO LAY YOUR HEAD

If high drama and zany architecture are your thing, Hotel Unique is the obvious choice. The inverted arch-shaped building designed by innovative Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake offers a masterclass in curated contemporary design, including the Boa sofa by the local Campana Brothers and the gravity-defying Charleston sofa by Dutch brand Moooi. The hotel’s rooftop Skye Restaurant & Bar offers breathtaking views of São Paulo, and a 25m-long crimson pool, which Wallpaper magazine voted as one of the best in the world. hotelunique.com

With interiors by Philippe Starck, Rosewood São Paulo is a glam oasis of a hotel, set in both a historic building and a striking new vertical tower by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Dining options include Blaise – a restaurant designed to look like a wooden chalet tucked away in a forest; and Rabo Di Galo – an old-school jazz club and cocktail bar with a dramatic hand-painted ceiling. rosewoodhotels.com

THE GUIDE

If you’re looking for a fantastic local guide, Renato Crestincov of Beeare Travel is the perfect choice. Whether you’re interested in admiring architecture and design, collecting art, or a little retail therapy, he can tailor your travel experience to your needs. renatocrestincov

KEEPING SAFE AND GETTING AROUND

São Paulo has a high crime rate, so keep your wits about you. Ask advice from a trusted local; try to keep the valuables you carry on you to a minimum; avoid walking alone at night; and only take registered taxis or Uber. The city is huge and traffic is a big issue, so always factor that in.

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From fully tiled pools making a comeback to an abundance of patterns, here are the current essential tile trends, as seen at Expo Revestir in São Paulo, Brazil.

São Paulo is a megacity – a sprawling metropolis with frenetic energy, endless traffic and a huge population. It’s also the home of Latin America’s largest coatings and finishings fair, Expo Revestir.

What to expect of an invitation to attend a tile/surfaces trade fair in South America? Would it be interesting and VISI-worthy? I wasn’t sure. I had little idea of how big Brazil’s tile industry was. But after one week in the economic heart of the country, I now know it’s one of the world’s largest manufacturers and exporters of ceramic tiles.

Established more than two decades ago, Expo Revestir is 65 000m2 of floors and surfaces, bathroom fixtures, trends and innovative design. It’s fantastic to see this level of trade, production and creativity from a fellow member of the sometimes-maligned Global South. It’s also not a surprise: Brazil has a strong history of design, and is the home of modernist starchitects Oscar Niemeyer, Paulo Mendes da Rocha and Lina Bo Bardi. It’s also home to notable furniture designers, including the Campana brothers. The region is a bubbling melting pot of contemporary design and art.

With countless options to pick from, here are just a few of the top tile and ceramics trends seen at Expo Revestir.

Unique Shapes

The days of tiles being only square or rectangular are long gone. Uniquely shaped tiles are all the rage – think circles, stars, crosses, fans, ogees, half-moons, triangles, hexagons and octagons. You can go bananas and cover the whole bathroom in this geometric jumble, or stick to an interesting backsplash. They’re a fun way of injecting character into a space.

Mosaics

First seen in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, mosaics are far from new. That said, our love for them is certainly not abating – and they’re no longer designated for the generic borders around swimming pools. At Expo Revestir, there were mosaics in every hue, shape and size, and the way they were laid out was just as important. From herringbone to a bit of mix-and-match, creating unique designs is key.

Fully Tiled Pools

Rock a little retro with a fully tiled pool, plunge pool or hot tub. Whether you use mosaics, natural stone, porcelain or ceramic, tiles can add a premium finish that’s also easy to clean and requires less maintenance. Think dramatic dark green, a chequerboard mosaic or – if you’re bold by nature – a combo of bright pink and turquoise. Get yourself some Palm Springs poolside panache!

Big on Marble

Devotees of drama will be on board with large marble or onyx-look porcelain tiles. Their popularity is on the up, due in part to their affordability and easy maintenance on both floors and walls. OTT versions were the order of the day in São Paulo, in deep emerald greens, intense browns and flashy blacks with eye-catching dramatic veining.

Terracotta

Terracotta tiles are a perennial favourite, and Expo Revestir had them by the bucketload. There was a huge selection of sizes and spicy hues on show, with the added twist of patterned versions (featuring geometric designs and polka dots) that are going on our wish list ASAP. We also spotted tiles with an irregular surface – and whether it’s a natural stone feel, a subtle organic pattern or a bolder fluted or ribbed option, these tiles add visual and textural interest and dimension to any space.

Patterns, Patterns and More Patterns

A huge takeaway for me at Expo Revestir was patterns, patterns and more patterns. The choices were practically endless – and they were all about making a statement. Think bucolic designs, azulejo-style tiles and Mid-century Modern geometrics. A noteworthy trend here was tiles with intentional pattern differences, which created a distinct contrast and design when set out.

Fun Layouts

It’s time to have fun with tiling layouts, and consider grids, offset designs, chevrons or herringbone. Another idea is to use multiple colours to create stripes or cool patterns. Mixing various designs is the perfect way to make classics more current, or to use a budget-friendly tile in a novel way.

Terrazzo

A favourite of any Mid-century enthusiast, terrazzo and terrazzo-look tiles or laminate flooring made an impact at Expo Revestir. First used in Venice more than 500 years ago, terrazzo translates to terrace, and traditionally refers to concrete that contains bits of marble or other stone. It’s often made using recycled materials, so it’s relatively sustainable. While the traditional version will always be a winner in our book, bolder and brighter contemporary options are worth a look too.

Cobogó

We know them as breeze blocks in South Africa, but in Brazil they are called cobogó – and they are massive business. This makes sense, if you consider the way they maximise light and natural ventilation in warmer climates. The cobogó first appeared in the 1920s, and its name is the combination of the first syllable of the last names of its creators, a rather cosmopolitan trio of engineers – Amadeu Oliveira Coimbra (Portuguese), Ernesto August Boeckmann (German) and Antônio de Góis (Brazilian). The volume of choice when it comes to shape and materials, especially from Brazilian brand Manufatti, is astounding. | en.exporevestir.com.br

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Nestled on the banks of the Rìo Negro with panoramic views of Brazil’s Anavilhanas National Park, the unique design of Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge allows travellers to truly experience the jungle environment.

The main objective of the architects at Atelier O’Reilly Sustainable Strategies was to integrate inspiring design, the natural environment and the riverside community. Reforested wood and local building techniques were used to create the lodge’s unique bungalows which resemble inverted fishing boats used by the community.

The design of Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge works in harmony with the landscape and incorporates multiple sustainable design elements. The curved design of the roof helps reduce temperatures and promote natural airflow inside each cabin, while the elevated walkways and wooden decks allow for ventilation underneath the building.

The interior design of this architecturally-captivating space also makes use of hyper-local materials and techniques. Each bungalow features natural fibre finishes, locally-made wooden furniture with marble details, woven baskets and other beautiful objèt celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Many of the decor pieces at the lodge were created by craftsmen from the Fundação Almerinda Malaquias, an NGO with headquarters in the same city, Novo Airão, whose projects are supported by the hotel.

For the gardens, landscape designer Clariça Lima used native vegetation (over 70 native plants and fruit trees) in an effort to preserve the local biome. “On the ground there was a lot of vegetation and large trees. Based on this, the adopted approach sought to use a composition with shrubs and bedding, avoiding the obstruction of the landscape and allowing guests to see the entire surroundings of the Amazon Forest, integrating the architectural project with the existing vegetation on the land,” says Clariça.

The lodge acts as a connecting hub between tourists, the local community and the river. It is the starting point for Katerre Expeditions, an ecotourism company that offers an immersive Amazonian experience. Both Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge and Katerre Expeditions provide funds for local social projects which focus on environmental education for children and the development of branded design products by local craftsmen.

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Brazilian illustrator and designer Willian Santiago creates colourful artworks featuring beautiful depictions of people and wildlife.

From fashion to skateboards, his work forms part of a variety of collaborations, where his illustrations are used in the form of prints. Inspired in part by nature, Willian also draws on the rich culture of Brazil and its local artisanal crafts.

Most of Willian’s work is produced through digital mediums while drawing on the stylistic elements of hand-made art, layering textures such as paint splashes or crayon markings.

He uses a range of bright, bold colours, with a focus on red, turquoise, blue, green and black, a nod to the Art Deco movement.

See more of his work on Behance and follow @willian_santiago on Instagram.

(h/t) wepresent.wetransfer.com

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Renan Viana is a Brazilian photographer whose shrunken people project provides an imaginative way of viewing the grind of daily life.

He started with the micro characters concept back in 2014 after finding a box of miniatures. “I was impressed by the perfection of the details and the ideas of photos began to appear at the same time,” he explains on his website. “I came home and started researching on the subject, and I saw some fantastic work by photographers around the world. I then decided to use the dolls to create a project where I ‘shrink people’ and put them in unusual scenes, leading me to imagine what it would be like to be so small in that situation.”

Instagram has become central to his process, as it’s proven to be the ideal platform to showcase his work with its “pocket gallery” quality.

Here are 13 of our favourite micro scenes.

Nossa nova pista de patinação, quem topa dar uma volta? ??

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Mar 30, 2018 at 4:18pm PDT

Ajudando a natureza a colorir mais dias ? #achadosdasemana #communityfirst #saopaulocity #splovers #vejasp

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Aug 27, 2017 at 7:53am PDT

Ah o café… ? #coffeelover #achadosdasemana #communityfirst #bomdia

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Oct 30, 2017 at 4:37am PDT

Para os apaixonados por café ? Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :) Music by: Waves – Joakim Karud

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Mar 26, 2018 at 5:05pm PDT

Cuide bem do seu jardim ???? Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :) Music: Maxzwell – Darlin ?

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Feb 24, 2018 at 9:13am PST

O futuro é agora! Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :)

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Feb 28, 2018 at 4:02pm PST

É carnaval! ? Vem pro bloquinho do Encolhi! ? Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :) Music: Maxzell – Darlin ? ? #reservaporai

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Feb 11, 2018 at 5:57am PST

Você quer verão @? Bora! ?? Este clique faz parte da série #EncolhiOVerão, da @cacaushow que tivemos o prazer de criar em parceria com as marcas Abril Vocês podem conferir as imagens que já saíram no perfil da Capricho e da Elle Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :) Music: Maxzwell – Darlin ?

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Feb 6, 2018 at 3:03pm PST

Um mergulho para relaxar ? ?‍ Arraste para o lado e veja o making of :) Music ? : Dyalla – Travellin

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Feb 5, 2018 at 6:00am PST

Quando o próprio museu é uma obra de arte ? Foto feita com o #motoz2play #hellocidades :)

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Jan 18, 2018 at 2:06pm PST

Relax! ?

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Jan 7, 2018 at 5:41am PST

O tempo vai passar… Os anos vão confirmar… ? As três palavras que eu proferi… ? Amigo estou aqui!!! ? #achadosdasemana #communityfirst #belemdopara

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Jul 20, 2017 at 5:39am PDT

Navegar é preciso ?? #achadosdasemana #communityfirst #food

A post shared by Renan Viana (@encolhiaspessoas) on Jun 16, 2017 at 6:13am PDT

For more information, visit encolhiaspessoas.com.br.

The post Renan Viana’s Micro Characters appeared first on Visi.

13 official posters for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games have been unveiled and are currently on exhibition at the Deodoro Olympic Park.

Each poster portrays the artist’s idea of the city of Brazil. The 12 Brazilian artists include Alexandre Mancini, Antônio Dias, Beatriz Milhazes, Claudio Tozzi, Ana Clara Schindler, Gringo Cardia, Gustavo Greco, Gustavo Piqueira, Guto Lacaz, Juarez Machado, Kobra and Rico Lins. The thirteenth poster is by Colombian artist Olga Amaral.

The Director of Culture for the Rio Olympics, Carla Camurati, explained that with such a vibrant and diverse city it would be hard to choose just one representative and poster.

After the games are complete, the posters will be displayed in schools across the city.

The posters can also be bought in two sizes from the Deodoro Olympic Park Shop and official Rio 2016 stores.

The post Official Posters: Rio Olympic Games 2016 appeared first on Visi.

This amazing campaign is a fantastic example of functional design at its best.

To encourage reading in what seems to be an always manic Brazil, L&PM Pocket, the country’s biggest publishers of pocket books, developed a range of 10 books that also worked as subway tickets.

The books included Hamlet, Peanuts and Sherlock Holmes, with covers inspired by classic subway maps.

Watch this quick two-minute clip to see how the campaign worked. So clever!

The post WATCH: Ticket Books appeared first on Visi.