Social Focus – Interview with Tércio Teixeira

(This interview was originally published in 2015, exclusively in Portuguese).

Tércio Teixeira, one of the five members of R.U.A. Foto Coletivo, is part of a wave of image professionals who believe in photography’s power to drive social change. Alongside Rodrigo Zaim, Jardiel Carvalho, Isabella Lanave, and Felipe Paiva, he actively documented the 2013 June Protests and a series of other demonstrations that have erupted across Brazil since then. Simultaneously, he continuously captures the latent violence and harsh realities of daily life in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo’s marginalized communities, aiming to spark reflection and draw attention to issues often ignored by mainstream media.

One of Teixeira’s most recent projects is the exhibition Essência, open until June 21 in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro (Avenida Vereador Alceu de Carvalho, nº 1020). The show features images taken over three years in communities across São Paulo and Rio. As Teixeira puts it, the exhibition highlights children who, despite living amid chaos, violence, and poverty, retain their integrity and virtues—their true essence. The goal is to raise awareness and support for a photography workshop led by Pastor Julio Mesquita at the Novo Horizonte Baptist Church, serving children from the César Maia community and surrounding areas. Of the 21 photographs on display, three will be auctioned on June 20, while the rest will be sold to fund the initiative.

In the following interview, the 34-year-old photographer discusses his journey, the inspiration behind Essência, photography’s political role, and upcoming projects.

Where does your passion for photography come from?

I was influenced by my father, a photographer who owned a photo shop. I grew up watching him develop film rolls in the lab. I started taking pictures as a teenager with his Zenit camera and graduated from Senac in 2006.

What themes interest you? Why?

I’m drawn to various subjects, but I focus on humanist causes—social inequality, poverty, neglect, and more. Photography is a powerful tool to highlight issues mainstream media often ignores. I was born in a community where violence and neglect are still prevalent, so my work reflects what I grew up seeing and still witness today. Photography can bridge the gap between people and socio-political realities, expose authority abuses, and inspire reflection that leads to action and solutions.

Tell us about your current exhibition, Essência, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes.

The exhibition supports a photography workshop at Novo Horizonte Baptist Church for kids from César Maia and nearby communities, an initiative by Pastor Julio Mesquita. It portrays children who, despite living in chaos, violence, and misery, preserve their integrity and virtues—their essence. It asks questions like: What future do these children have? What opportunities are available to them? Is society responsible? How can we offer them dignified alternatives? The photos were taken in Rio and São Paulo’s favelas.

How did the project come about?

We initially planned to photograph weddings for couples who couldn’t afford albums. When we visited the Novo Horizonte Baptist Church, Pastor Julio embraced the idea and proposed the photography workshop instead. We immediately agreed, and the wedding project was postponed.

What’s the guiding principle?

Pastor Julio Mesquita has been running educational and cultural programs in César Maia. When we met, he envisioned this project. There wasn’t much planning—we’re diving in and seeking support to keep it going.

How long did you shoot, and what equipment did you use?

The photos span 2012 to 2015. I used a Nikon D7000.

The exhibition’s proceeds will fund the workshop for underprivileged youth. What social impact do you hope for?

The goal is to nurture good citizens, preserving children’s essence while opening opportunities. It’s no coincidence they’re called "the future of the nation."

Will the project expand into a book or the R.U.A. website? Do you plan to keep photographing the community?

No book is planned yet. Some exhibition photos were published online; others were new. After the workshop, there’ll be a student photo exhibit. I’ll definitely keep documenting these communities—not to exploit them, but to give visibility to their struggles.

How many photos are in the show, and how many will be auctioned?

There are 21 photos. Three will be auctioned on June 20, and the rest are for sale at buyers’ chosen contributions. Five have already sold.

How has the response been?

Thankfully, it’s been a success. For many in the community, it was their first time at an exhibition. Seeing their awe was incredibly rewarding.

What other projects are you working on?

We’re collaborating with IdeMissões (a project by Anderson Lima) in Jardim Gramacho, Duque de Caxias, documenting families impacted by his initiative, which has helped people leave drug trafficking. This will be a long-term project.

Who are your biggest photography influences, locally and internationally?

Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, and James Nachtwey inspire me. In Brazil, I admire Maurício Lima—his humanist work gives voice to society’s forgotten. Since I focus on social issues, I identify with these photographers.

What’s your everyday gear?

I currently use a Nikon D600 and prefer prime lenses.

(Click on the opening photo to see more images by Tércio Teixeira.)