Photographs of the Cidade Maravilhosa

Rodney Schaffer

Set against a backdrop of subdued hues, decaying European architecture and Atlantic rainforest, Schaffer’s static panoramic scenes of Rio de Janeiro are bought to life. Following several excursions to the Magical City between 2008 and 2014, Schaffer established a profound interest in the social issues surrounding the local Carioca people, in existence with the wild beauty of its environment.

Together with Brazilian Lonely planet expert, Andrew Draffen, Schaffer often ventured to the less touristic areas in pursuit of a distinct perspective:  “The challenge was to simplify the chaos, but still maintain the Carioca spirit.”

First masking his Hasselblad X-pan with gaffer tape to dissuade thieves, Schaffer bought focus to the street and beach surroundings of Santa Teresa, Gavea and Lapa. Further inspiring his initial interest in structural compositions, Schaffer took inspiration from black and white photographs by turn of the Century artists Ferrez ,Gaensly and Malta.