Autographs in Reverence

Patrimônio Prospectivo (Prospective Heritage) was never intended to be confined to the conventional format of a photography exhibition. The presentation at the station brings together forty framed photographs, with links throughout the images, thematic sections, and exhibition pages leading visitors to my website. There, the project opens up considerably further. Visitors can follow the research, explore additional work, and continue engaging with the exhibition long after leaving the physical space.

The project also takes shape above eye level. Four skateboard decks hang from the station ceiling, extending the exhibition into the architecture itself and bringing skateboarding into direct conversation with the photographs. During the planning of this installation, Eracy Lafuente, Secretary of the Civil House of the Government of the State of Bahia, supporter and Executive Producer of Prospective Heritage, authorized us to add a fifth deck. It belongs to him and carries the signatures of some of Brazil’s most accomplished skateboarders, including Olympic athletes and Brazilian national champions.

That fifth deck brings something distinct to the exhibition. Skateboarding is no longer represented only through the photographs; an object from within the culture becomes part of the installation. Its signatures carry personal histories and connections to athletes who have helped shape the sport in Brazil. The board gives those histories a physical presence alongside the photographic work.

The photograph accompanying this post is entirely my own. No AI, digital manipulation, or image compositing was involved. I observed, waited, and chose the moment when the light finally fell as I had envisioned.

Prospective Heritage has come together through that same spirit of collaboration. Different people have contributed their knowledge, resources, and commitment to bring a shared artistic undertaking to life.