The Ramacrisna Institute’s Apprentice Program, through the Descubra Project, launched on Tuesday, February 2, at Galeria Ciço – CRJ BH, a unique photographic exhibition produced by students in the audiovisual course, which is part of the apprentices’ initial training before they begin their practical work experience. Entitled “Between Lenses and Discoveries,” the exhibition brings together images captured by the young people during their practical and external classes, revealing multiple interpretations of the city and their own experiences.
Throughout the classes, students were encouraged to research references, learn about award-winning photographers, and observe images that dialogued with themes such as landscape, architecture, and urban daily life. Inspired by these discoveries, they participated in two major photography outings: one in the Municipal Park, accompanied by invited professionals, and another in downtown Belo Horizonte, where each pair chose which parts of the city they wanted to capture.
With cameras in hand, for some their first contact with the equipment, they were able to explore different angles, textures, lights, and narratives. “I always say that I provide the technique and the tool, but the vision is theirs. There’s a phrase I often use: Give me a camera and I’ll show you the world through my eyes. And that’s the essence I want them to carry with them, how each person’s personal vision can change and bring things to life,” says instructor Nezir Araújo.
An exhibition built by them
The choice of the exhibition’s name was also a collective decision. All students were able to suggest titles for the exhibition. The winner was young Rhuan Brayli: “Between Lenses and Discoveries.” The name sums up the spirit of each student’s individual experience, who were able to see and reveal their city through a new perspective.
Nezir says that the selection of photos was completely autonomous. Each young person chose their own images and wrote texts that expressed the feelings associated with them. Some narrate enchantment, others the harsh realities of the center of the capital of Minas Gerais. Each work is a sensitive and genuine snapshot of the experiences of these young photographers.
For him, this exhibition can change not only the young people’s self-perception, but also the view that their families and communities have of each one’s potential. “When parents and guests see these photos, they will understand the capacity these boys have. And maybe that will encourage them to support them more, believe in them more, invest more,” he says.
