The many intricately considered layers of this project coupled with its socially conscious outcome make it a work of exceeding excellence.
From the careful consideration of the site for its demographic and usage, thinking about the way it brings together populations that might clash, to the very specific reference of an out of production Brazilian Volkswagen model. This socially engaged initiative that provides a public kitchen space that is normally not available for homeless people to cook at focuses on addressing these needs albeit temporarily rather than concealing the issues at hand.
Brasa Ilha works with easily recognisable elements - this is done as a critique of what is considered low art and high art: composed of a barbecue, car, and a pizza all elements very present in everyday life. A collage of these comes together to make a bigger statement and give new meanings to banal objects. How can we rethink the patterns of our daily life when we encounter such a thing as we are walking on the street? Where is the value in desacralizing the art experience? OPAVIVARA! are concerned with empowering the audience to become part of the work – for them, the moment the work is working best is when it works on its own.
An especially interesting local reference that is made possible by the fact that OPAVIVARA! are deeply rooted in the environment within which they are producing work. A popular saying in Brazil goes along the lines of “everything ends in pizza”. This has two meanings: while on one side it’s a big celebration after a fight when people can reconcile over pizza, in politics it's used pejoratively to mean that nothing was resolved, no culpability was assigned. It is through OPAVIVARA!’s unique perspective that pizzas are made on Brasa Ilha in all its meanings.
