The Lapa neighborhood, in the central area of Rio de Janeiro, will boast this Thursday (18) a 300 square meter mural with the image of singer and composer Milton Nascimento. Carioca by origin and Minas Gerais at heart, “Bituca” is 83 years old and is considered one of the main names in Brazilian music.
The new painting occupies part of the side of the Young Men’s Christian Association (ACM) building, at Rua da Lapa, 86, and can be seen from Praça Cardeal Câmara, in front of Arcos da Lapa. At this point, the new mural combines with an older panel of another music icon, Pixinguinha, painted in 2021.
Milton Nascimento’s drawing was made by Brazilian visual artist Gugie Cavalcanti, who has already produced 15 murals of black personalities in different cities across all Brazilian regions.
The image of Milton’s mural chosen by Gugie was taken from a scene in an “old documentary”, says the artist, without detailing which one.
“He’s there, talking to his friends, relaxed. He’s looking at people with affection, admiration, a certain shyness, but at ease”, he explains.
New mural in honor of Milton Nascimento, painted by visual artist Gugie Cavalcanti, opens in Lapa. Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil
Flowers in life
The tribute initiative is from the Municipal Secretariat for Human Rights and Racial Equality (SEDHIR) of Rio de Janeiro and is part of the anti-racist actions of the Black November campaign.
For Edson Santos, head of Rio’s City Hall, Milton Nascimento’s work has a political and emotional character.
“Milton is part of our formation. As Nelson Cavaquinho would say, we have to deliver ‘the flowers in life’.”
In October, Milton Nascimento was diagnosed with Lewy body dementiaas reported via social media by his son, businessman Augusto Nascimento, who participated in the mural’s inauguration event.
“It’s really cool that people recognize this and give this affection,” Augusto told Brazil Agencygrateful for the tribute and pleased with the location of the mural.
In Lapa, Fundição Progresso and Circo Voador operate, “which are two places where he performed many times. They are very symbolic spaces for music”, remembers Bituca’s son.
Augusto Kesrouani Nascimento observes a new mural in honor of his father, singer Milton Nascimento, painted by visual artist Gugie Cavalcanti, opened in Lapa. Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil
Last Tuesday (16), Milton Nascimento received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, granted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)also in Rio de Janeiro.
