Image description: This is a photograph of a colorful staircase located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The staircase is adorned with ceramic mosaics in vibrant shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and white. On the left, we see a wall decorated with similar mosaics and green plants. On the right, there is a building with red stripes and a sign advertising "Estação Fitz Jam". At the top of the staircase, we see some people walking. The name "Escadaria Selarón" is written in large letters in the middle of the staircase.Escadaria Selarón, na Lapa. Wikimedia Commons
With its 215 colorful and vibrant steps, the staircase connecting the Convento de Santa Teresa to Lapa has ceased to be a mere path for going up and down, becoming one of the most visited spots in Rio de Janeiro, as well as a symbol of the passion and dedication of its creator – the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. In Rio, Selarón found not only a home, but also a canvas for his most genuine expressions.
This story begins in the 1990s, when Selarón started renovating the staircase that ran in front of his house. With a bucket of cement in hand, money out of his own pocket, and colorful tiles, the Chilean artist began the project, aiming to bring about transformation and restore the dignity of that area, which was in a terrible state of disrepair. Over time, the work evolved from a simple renovation into a lush, ongoing artistic intervention, as different people started donating tiles.
Image description: The image is a photograph of a man sitting on a colorful staircase. The spatial arrangement goes from left to right and from foreground to background. On the left, we see the man wearing a red shirt, jeans, and black shoes. He is smiling and posing with his right hand. In the background, we see the staircase decorated with colorful mosaics in shades of green, yellow, blue, and red.Jorge Selarón em sua obra de arte ao ar livre - Sem data - Imagem retirada do site Selarón pedaços do mundo
One of the elements that makes the staircase unique is the use of more than 2,000 colorful tiles from various origins – besides the ones the artist himself hand-painted, there are pieces donated from more than 60 countries! This variety of patterns and colors, with an emphasis on green and yellow, creates an impressive mosaic that symbolizes the cultural diversity of Brazil and the world. The red background acts as a frame, and each step is a work in itself that tells different stories: whether through tiles bearing the flags of countries, or messages left by visitors from different places. You can spend hours observing the details of every little corner of the stairs.
Tiles present on the staircase. Images taken from the Selarón pedaços do mundo website
Image description: The image is a painting in tones of black, white, and red. In the center, there is a human face with expressive features, holding a sign that reads "BRAZIL I LOVE YOU SELARON." On the left, we see a human figure in profile, with short hair and closed eyes. In the background, there is a series of geometric and abstract shapes, including the symbol of the cross. The composition is circular, with white lines dividing the quadrants.Due to its artistic character, the staircase became a carioca icon, ranking third among the most visited in the city. The site, which attracts residents and tourists, enhances Lapa's vibrant atmosphere, one of Rio's most bohemian and democratic neighborhoods. Festivals, cultural events, music videos by international icons, and even films have been produced in this setting, establishing the staircase as a meeting point and a postcard image of Rio de Janeiro.
Image description: The image is a photograph of two people sitting on a staircase with colorful mosaics. On the left is an individual with tattoos on their hands and arms, wearing a brown t-shirt and striped shorts. On the right, another individual is wearing a red shirt with the number "31" and beige shorts. Both are sitting on a staircase decorated with tile mosaics in shades of green, yellow, and white. In the background, there is a building with architectural elements that complement the setting.Em 2006, o rapper Snoop Dogg gravou, ao lado de Pharrell Williams, o clipe Beautiful. Imagem retirada do site Doug pelo mundo
The staircase plays an extremely important role in preserving identities and popular culture. On its steps, there are representations depicting the native peoples of the Americas, Africans, and Asians, rescuing and highlighting stories that need to be told, retold, and echoed. The staircase is proof that art can and should be public, accessible, and representative for all people. It is also a demonstration of its transformative power.
In the words of its creator, "the staircase [...] will never be finished. It will be finished on the day of my death, when I myself become the staircase itself. That way I will remain eternal forever." In 2013, Selarón was found dead near his residence, right on the staircase, under circumstances that involve speculation — his charred body reinforces the strong indication of murder. This tragic event adds a rather intriguing layer to this story, but ends up reinforcing the mystical atmosphere of the place.
Today, the Escadaria Selarón is, above all, a meeting place, and around it are many restaurants, bars, and artistic spaces that make the area even more attractive. Its presence in the heart of Rio de Janeiro continues to inspire, connect, and enchant, perpetuating the memory and artistic legacy of Jorge Selarón.
Image description: The image shows a colorful mosaic with large white letters forming the phrase "BRASIL EU TE AMO SELARON." The mosaic is made up of square ceramic tiles in shades of red and pink, arranged in a grid pattern. The lower part of the mosaic features a decorative green and white detail.Trecho da escadaria, em que o artista declara seu amor pelo Brasil. Imagem retirada do site Selarón pedaços do mundo
