São Paulo – Arab presence in the capital of the Brazilian state of Goiás is the theme of the exhibit ‘Cenas Árabes em Goiânia’ (Arab Scenes in Goiânia), due from April 2nd to May 2nd at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG).
The exhibit features 12 pictures taken by four students at the university: Isabelle de Jesus Celestino, Janaynne Carvalho do Amaral, Laísa Marra and Luísa de Assis Vieira. Three of them attend the Language course and one studies Arts. The initiative is from the UFG’s Grupo Galabra de Estudos da Cultura (Calabra Cultural Study Group).
“We have ascertained through research that Goiânia is the sole Brazilian capital whose main characteristic is the Arabs,” says Antônio Quintela, a Literature professor and the coordinator of Grupo Galabra, on the prevalence of Arabs in the city. “Goiânia boasts a very well-structured colony of Arabs, mostly Syrian and Lebanese, the majority of whom are Maronite Christians,” he explains.
Quintela explains that the photographs were part of a Language School work titled Arab Representations in the City of Goiânia. During research, the students took pictures of everything from a hotel bearing the Lebanese flag to a statue of famed Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran.
“In Goiânia you find many Arab symbols. You will see stickers in Arabic on cars, and Lebanese food is also widespread. These symbols are everywhere,” says Quintela. The students took 50 pictures showing the Arab presence in the city.
Service
Exhibit – Arab Scenes in Goiânia
April 2nd to May 2nd
UFG – Language School – Campus Samambaia – Esperança Ave., no number – Setor Itatiaia, Goiânia – Goiás
Admittance is free
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
