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Reading time 3 min

What’s new at Inhotim Escola 2014

Redação Inhotim

The second year of Inhotim Escola promises to shake up Belo Horizonte’s agenda. Art exhibitions, films, lectures, courses, workshops and a novelty: in 2014 the the environmental theme comes in to play with the project Consumo Consciente na Praça [Concious Consumption at the Park]. Starting in April, it will promote discussions on consumption habits of modern society so as to build a more sustainable life style.

 

Among the actions planned for the year is the Dia do Carbono Zero [Zero Carbon Day], which aims to promote the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, two-wheel lovers will be able to participate in the Pedal Verde, a bike circuit going through the southern-central region of Belo Horizonte aimed at raising awareness to the issue of urban mobility in the state capital.

 

O Sarau realizado pelo Inhotim Escola em 2013 reuniu diversas pessoas na Praça da Liberdade, em Belo Horizonte.
The soiree held by Inhotim Escola in 2013 gathered several people at Praça da Liberdade, in Belo Horizonte. Photo: Ricardo Mallaco

 

As for the arts, also in April, the public will have the opportunity to chat with Inhotim’s curator Jochen Volz on the relationship between art and architecture in the construction of art pavilions. Jochen has organized several exhibitions in Brazil and abroad, including international shows in the 53rd Venice Biennale. Since 2012, Jochen is also chief curator of the Serpentine Gallery in London. Among other activities, the schedule of Inhotim Escola includes the seminar Visão Yanomami [Yanomami Vision], whose theme is the work of photographer Claudia Andujar. Swiss living in Brazil since the 1950s, besides registering the life of the Yanomami people, Andujar became a major activist for indigenous cause in Brazil.

 

The old buildings that are part of the Circuito Cultural Praça da Liberdade will still host part of the activities. But this year, Inhotim Escola expands its actions to different locations in the state capital and other cities, and it will no longer have a fixed venue in Belo Horizonte. So far, the actions developed by the project have involved over two thousand participants.

 

Interested? Find out more about lnhotim Escola here.

Reading time 2 min

Garden of Stones

Redação Inhotim

Amid the lush gardens of Inhotim, a novelty has drawn attention of visitors. The Garden of Stones, near the Educational Plant Nursery, was inspired by the desert landscapes of Mexico and gathers plants that are rich in beauty, despite the limited availability of water.

 

There is an explanation for the idea of ??creating such a different garden. Inhotim’s agronomist Livia Lana  explains, “We already had several species, some even rare. Then, we create a special environment where it is possible to understand the context in which they live”.

 

Foto: Rossana Magri
Picture: Rossana Magri

 

The specimens that comprise the Garden of Stones come from deserts as well as from arid regions in Brazil, and include Cactaceae, Crassulaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Despite their complicated names, these plants are widely used in landscaping and their maintenance is relatively simple. The hard part of the job was to transform the local soil to receive the seedlings, which was done by using mainly sand and stones.

 

On your next visit, make sure to visit this exotic garden. Click here to learn more about the botanical richness of Inhotim.

Reading time 5 min

Be Ready!

Redação Inhotim

Are you planning your visit to Inhotim? Check out everything you need to take to the park, as well as what you need to wear, to make the most of this experience.

 

Wear comfortable clothes

Currently, Inhotim has 110 acres open for visitation. Just to give you idea, this corresponds to more than 100 soccer fields! Therefore, choosing light and appropriate clothing is crucial to walk around artworks and galleries. As for footwear, prefer closed shoes, like sneakers, since there are paths with ups and downs, cobbled streets and passages within the forest.

 

Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes
Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes

 

 

Organize your bag

Write this down: a camera is essential. The art-garden duo, together with a landscape that mixes Atlantic Forest and Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), is unique and yields incredible images. Photos are not allowed inside the galleries, but outdoors, the sky is the limit for creativity! Those who use their cellphones to shoot and access the Instagram app can even use the hashtag #inhotim to post. Make sure you don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and a jacket, as in autumn and winter the days begin with the region’s typical cold mist.

Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes
Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes

 

 

Check the weather forecast

If the day is hot, a cap or a hat will protect you from the sun. Tip: To stay hydrated, carry a bottle of water on hand. Even though it is not allowed to bring food and drinks into Inhotim, you can fill up your water bottle in one of the water fountains located at strategic points around the park, such as at the reception, the exit from Galeria Adriana Varejão or the entrance of the letters garden by Marilá Dardot. If the forecast is for rain, take an umbrella or raincoat along.

Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes
Photos: Rossana Magri and Juliano Arantes

 

 

Be ready to learn

O Inhotim is a place of art, botanic, architecture, but especially a place of transformation. Besides the fact that the collection and the physical spaces are constantly expanding, visiting the park is an emotional and sensitive experience capable of awakening new ways to look at the world. Because of that, having pencil and paper to write down your feelings on the way can help you organize this turmoil so you can reflect on the whole tour.

 

Photos: Rosana Magri and Juliano Arantes
Photos: Rosana Magri and Juliano Arantes

 

 

After all these tips, prepare body, soul and a backpack to delve into Inhotim. If you still forget something, don’t worry. The design shop at the reception area offers from rain capes to art books that will rid you of any trouble! Learn more here.

Reading time 3 min

Where does the Carnival come from?

Redação Inhotim

Not everyone knows, but the Carnival is much older than Dodo and Osmar’s trios elétricos (musical floats used in Brazilian Carnival) in Salvador, Bahia. This popular festival has its origins in celebrations such Saturnalia, when Ancient Rome used to stop everything to celebrate god Saturn. According to mythology, he was the one who taught the practice of agriculture to men, and in these days of celebration that took place in December, friends would treat one another to flowers and typical food of the season.

 

Using this story as a background, people visiting Inhotim during Carnival will be treated to seeds of licuri palm (Syagrus) and butiá (Butia) as a way to thank the public and nature for making the park an unique and transforming place. These species were not chosen by chance. Besides being part of the gardens, they are portrayed in several works by artist Luiz Zerbini, on display at the amor lugar comum (love, a commonplace) exhibit, installed at Galeria Praça since October 2013.

 

The work "Mar do Japão" (2010), by Luiz Zerbini, in exhibition at Galeria Praça.
The work “Mar do Japão” (2010), by Luiz Zerbini, in exhibition at Galeria Praça.

 

As for the work Olê ô picolê (2007) (Here comes the popsicle) , by Marepe (learn more about him here), displayed at Galeria Lago, educators will make interventions focused on popsicle carts that will circulate throughout the park. Visitors will receive clippings about the artist or texts written by him, as an invitation to learn about his work.

 

In addition, children will be invited to prepare Carnival masks with materials that would otherwise be discarded. The actions take place in the park, Saturday (1/3), Tuesday (4/3), from 10h to 12h and 14h to 16h. To learn more click here.

Reading time 6 min

Melodies that lull your dreams

Redação Inhotim

Music to make you dream high. This is what Inhotim’s new music project coordinator, Maestro César Timóteo, keeps in mind when he plans the future.  Son of a pianist mother, César began studying the violin as a child. Today, as a violinist, opera singer and conductor, he seeks to awaken the musicality and talent of each student taking part in the projects he will be in charge of. The Maestro talked to Inhotim’s Blog and told us a little bit about his career and experiences in this new phase of his life.

 

 

 

Blog do Inhotim – Tell us a bit about your career in music.

 

César Timóteo – I can´t single out the exact moment music really got me.  My mother is a pianist and this has influenced me a great deal.  Through her, I was able to be in contact with is fascinating art from a very early age.  I started studying the violin when I was nine, and became a professional violinist in my teenage years.  Later, I also got my Opera Singing Degree, taking part in performances as a soloist in operas and religious plays.  After working as a violinist and singer for several years, I decided to study orchestral conducting, which became my main occupation in music.  I had the opportunity to conduct orchestras in Brazil and abroad, in addition to working with great music professionals, who have significantly influenced me. Some of these them I would like to mention are violinist Max Teppich and Maestro Isaac Karabtchevsky.   

 

 

 BI – What is your opinion on the musical potential of Brumadinho and its residents? 

 

CT – Music is part of the development of all communities. It is a necessity.  Brumadinho is no different. We have to provide opportunities for people to learn it, awakening the musicality within them.   Leaning music, whether by means of a musical instrument or signing, tends to organize and blossom out this musicality, leading to balance, development and the possibility of dreaming higher.  I have no doubt that Brumadinho is filled with music talents, which will certainly be revealed.  

 

 

BI – Which projects are you going to be coordinating? Talk a bit more about each one of them.

 

CT – Youth, Adult and Kid’s Choirs and the School for Strings. These projects are carried out by Inhotim, sponsored by Vale do Rio Doce and are part of an initiative of the Department of Culture.  In 2014, we are going to work in a more unified way, with a team of guest teachers from Belo Horizonte. These projects are intended to promote social, musical and artistic development in communities located at Vale Médio do Paraopeba, which includes youngsters from Brumadinho, Mario Campos and Bonfim.  Most of the students come from the public school system and, with the projects, they have the opportunity to take free theoretical and practical lessons.

 

 Classes take place on a weekly basis and the students enrolled are able to study vocal technique and music theory, in addition to practice instruments such as:  violin, viola, cello and bass.  During choir and orchestra practices, students are able to experience music as part of a group, developing their harmonic perception and cooperative work.  Enrollment happens twice a year and those interested in participating must apply at the project headquarter in Brumadinho. 

 

 

BI – In 2014, what’s new when it comes to the projects developed by Inhotim?

 

CT – We are going to work to unify music-related social projects, considering a nationwide reach.  It is important to consolidate actions in Brumadinho and surrounding areas, so that some time from now we can also reach other towns.  We are going to value joint actions.  The music experience must happen in a less individual and more collective way.  We are also going to  purchase two new pianos to be used in choir activities, as well as in musical perception classes. Also, we will be able to rely on new facilities in Brumadinho, which will be larger and more suitable for classes and rehearsals. 

 

 

BI – What are your expectations for this new journey with the students taking part in the projects?

 

CT – I want to closely monitor the development of each student. It is important to know them, so that we can guide them in the right direction.  I hope to see their musical growth, to see them dreaming with new possibilities.   Art does that.  I hope music learning and musical practice will influence the human development of students as well as of Brumadinho community.  I hope this can bring a positive effect to their decisions and attitudes, promoting better quality of life and improving the way they live in society.