Guga Ferraz and the demolishing of Morro do Castelo: art and gentrification in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article investigates Guga Ferraz's urban art project, entitled Até onde o mar vinha, até onde o Rio ia (Until the sea came, until Rio went) (2008-2014), and its political-conceptual environment, against the backdrop of the urban transformations that have substantially altered the features of the city of Rio de Janeiro since the first decades of the 20th century. Using the tools of critical urbanism studies and the history of cities, art and architecture applied to urban evolution, this article aims to reflect on the work of Guga Ferraz in direct relation to the reforms implemented by mayors Pereira Passos and Carlos Sampaio that led to the razing of Morro do Castelo, in downtown Rio de Janeiro.