São Paulo – A delegation of Arab authorities and executives visited Rua 25 de Março, a street shopping hub in the capital of São Paulo, this Tuesday (6) to watch the unveiling of the artwork under production to honor Arab immigration to Brazil and the 70th anniversary of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). The street is a meaningful site for the Arab colony in Brazil, where immigrants put up shops upon arrival in the country.
A fireworks show took place, and artistic images were projected in the building where the art will be completed. The delegation who attended the art unveiling came to Brazil for the Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries, held by the ABCC. The ABCC sponsors the artistic project with support from the Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil (FAMBRAS) and Cdial Halal.
The work by artist Pagú will be painted on the facade of the Senador Queirós Automatic Garage Building, on the corner of 25 de Março and Senador Queirós. The project is curated by Fernanda Bueno, who conducted the research with Heloísa Abreu Dib. The artwork project is organized by Axé no Corre Produções, a company owned by Pagú and Bueno.
Read more: Pagú’s art installation pays tribute to Arab immigrants
The delegation also visited the São Paulo International Book Biennial this Tuesday. Among the participants in the visitation were diplomats and executives such as the secretary-general of the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC), Khaled Hanafy; president of the ABCC, Osmar Chohfi; and secretary-general of the ABCC, Tamer Mansour.
They visited the Fambras stand. The space is dedicated to Islam and spotlights the history and inventions of Muslims who excelled in different fields. The creations resulted in an exhibition featuring names such as Mariam Al-Ljliya, inventor of the astrolabe, equipment widely used for navigation and astronomy that served as the basis for modern GPS.
Another highlight of the stand is the comic book “Khalil,” with eighth volumes aimed at children and pre-teens. The work is, according to Fambras, the first Brazilian comic addressing Islam and issues related to religion through the main character, a Brazilian Muslim teenager.
The delegation was received by the Fambras team, which delivered informative brochures that are also being distributed to show visitors. The event ended with a cocktail featuring performances by Syrian musician Rajana Olba and singer Nazelie Bozian. Also at the event, artist Maryam Souza produced paintings on-site. The International Book Biennial is taking place in São Paulo until July 10 at Expo Center Norte.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
