For this edition, Lais Amaral answered PROJETS Media’s questions, sharing her personal recommendations, from exhibitions and bookstores to hidden corners of Rio de Janeiro.
What’s your connection to the city?
I was born in São Gonçalo, considered a « commuter town, » where I’ve spent most of my life so far – which means I’ve always been commuting back and forth to study, work, and truly experience the city of Rio. A few years ago, I moved here and lived in a few places, such as Gamboa, a port district known as « Little Africa » – it was a very important period for my research and the connections I made there. Nowadays, I’m able to experience a very different side of the city – the South Zone – which offers an experience of Rio that’s fully integrated with nature and the landscape. This significantly changes one’s relationship with and perspective on the city itself and, of course, prompts deep reflection on how territories are divided and conceptualized, as well as the multiple realities and complexities that shape our state.
At which bookstore would you buy a book?
At Glória Books. Besides being a unique project, it has a super interesting collection of art books.
A good park, beach, or other place to relax?
São Conrado Beach, which has an iconic landscape, and Flamengo Beach, which is great and calmer, bordered by Aterro do Flamengo (Flamengo Park), offering plenty of options for fun activities, like biking or picnicking. That feeling of being in a park/beach is truly unique.
The most vibrant place to have a drink and mingle with the art scene?
I think Rua do Senado, where Solar dos Abacaxis is located, is really lively and always has events that bring together an interesting crowd!
Which exhibition do you recommend seeing in Rio right now?
I recommend the exhibition « Espírito Jardim Humano » by the artist Tadáskía at Carpintaria, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood.
A great place to have fun, dance, and meet up with friends?
SULT Restaurant offers wonderful cuisine – a blend of Italian food with spices and distinctive ingredients from Brazilian cuisine – and the mixology is always impeccable. It’s on a super lively street in Botafogo; if you want to go dancing, you can head to Clama, for example.
What’s your favorite architectural marvel in the city?
I’m in love with the MAC and the Teatro Popular Oscar Niemeyer.
A design shop to buy souvenirs?
The most interesting and original place is definitely the Lavradio market on Saturdays in downtown Rio.
Where would you take a first-time visitor for lunch in Rio?
I’d definitely take them to Labuta Mar in Glória or Labuta Braseiro in downtown Rio.
Where would you take someone for an art-focused date?
I think I’d take them on a museum tour, visiting places like MAR, MAM, and Solar dos Abacaxis.
Let’s think bigger: if you wanted to get out of the city, where would you go?
Within the state of Rio, it would be Arraial do Cabo, with its mesmerizing landscapes, not to mention the road through Caiçara, with its unique scenery of dunes, pine trees, and salt flats.
