THE MATERIALITY OF DREAMS IN GRAFITTI IN A BRIDGE ON VILA DAS TORRES IN CURITIBA

Abstract

Vila das Torres is the oldest popular village in the central region of Curitiba and is located on the border of three neighborhoods: Prado Velho, Jardim Botânico and Rebouças. This locality stands out for its stance of resistance to urban pressures exerted by big capital and its institutions, in addition to sometimes fighting against the government itself that tries to make it invisible and ends up making life difficult for some of its residents. Vila das Torres stands out for its popular organization that makes it an important space within the city, making it a kind of centrality.

The image shows graffiti on the bridge located on Baltazar Carrasco dos Reis Street, which separates the village from the Rebouças neighborhood. It was photographed during fieldwork at the 9th NEER Colloquium on November 7, 2024, with an iPhone SE 2nd Generation. The graffitied phrase also draws attention to the resistance that exists within this space. The photo reads "It takes a burning heart to keep dreams alive," and from there, it is possible to reflect on the role that the community plays in maintaining its territory - and also its place - and dreams related to better living conditions or even improving the space in general.