Solo, MALDICIDADE 9 

Miguel Rio Branco made this photograph, Solo, MALDICIDADE 9, employing film and photographic paper. The work foregrounds materials—weathered metal painted yellow and red, and a draped textile in matching hues. The metal, with its signs of wear and tear, tells a story of industrial production and urban decay. It also brings the labor involved in its fabrication and maintenance to mind: the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, the application of paint. The draped textile introduces another layer of material complexity, as its tactile qualities contrast with the rigidity of the metal, hinting at human comfort amidst the urban landscape. Through composition and careful selection of materials, Rio Branco elevates everyday scenes into poignant reflections on labor, class, and the human condition. By considering the materials and their context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich meaning embedded in the artist's work, transcending traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.