Resistance
A lesson from Brazil’s Indigenous movement.
Portraits of Indigenous youth - Joel Redman
“Step lightly, step lightly, if you can’t handle the ants, don’t mess with the ant-hill. Step lightly, step lightly, if you can’t handle indigenous women, don’t mess with their lands” - Indigenous chant sang by the Indigenous Women's Association of Brazil- Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA)
Hi, I hope you’re having a beautiful week. Thanks for taking a peek at my newsletter / publication once more, or welcome if you’re new.
I’ve been sat on this story for a little while now, one that it was such a privilege to be a part of, finally I’m able to exhale my excitement and share the work. It’s been an incredible collaborative journey alongside many to reach this point, through the creating and building of this multi media project to now sharing this story with you.
This commission came about through a close collaboration between Icarus Complex Magazine and the indigenous led organisation If Not Us Then Who? ( INUTW ).
I collaborated closely with friend and indigenous photographer, Genilson Guajajara. Previously I’ve mentored and supported his practice, one of many indigenous photographers I have come to know and work alongside. Over the years myself and Genilson have spoken regularly, becoming friends. I was sure we would work well together and support each others storytelling.
Genilson is of the Guajajara people, his community live within the Amazon, in a riverside community, along the Rio Pindaré, in Maranhão State, Brazil. Over the years he and his community have regularly attended the Free Land Camp in Brasilia, one of the largest mobilisations of Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, now marking its 20th anniversary. This would be our destination, documenting and creating this story together, supported by writer / translator Lina Salas and filmmaker Jaye Renold of INUTW.
It’s this story I want to share with you, a story of “Resistance”.
Communities gather at Camp - Joel Redman
Resistance
Over 8.000 Indigenous Peoples from over 200 communities gathered in Brasilia, at the Free Land Camp in April 2024, with an air of hope, defiance and mourning, for the collective lives and lands that have been lost to colonization and the dramatic effects of climate change in Indigenous territories. What does it mean for this movement to stand in resistance for 20 years of Camp, and more than 500 years of colonization, in a capital that holds power and tries to prevent communities from accessing that power?
As thousands of ancestral voices, from hundreds of Indigenous Peoples reverberated throughout the capital, this story explores the strength and resilience of the Indigenous movement in Brazil.
Resistance - By cinematographer Jaye Renold, featuring Lomography imagery by Joel Redman
“The colonisers of the 21st century better be prepared, because their adversary is here now. We will only move forward as humanity if we are inspired by the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples” - Celia Xakriabá, indigenous Federal Deputy in Congress, at the Free Land Camp 2024.
Imagery from the protest march to Congress - Genilson Guajajara
Portraits from Camp - Joel Redman
“The resistance of the Free Land camp is always about the unity in surrounding themselves with others who are fighting for the same cause. It is always and unquestionably about the wisdom that has been passed down for generations and refuses to die. And it is without a doubt, the resistance of thousands of hearts that beat with passion for the belief that they, as protectors and stewards of Mother Earth, can help guide us from a climate crisis that is rapidly draining the health of humanity and our planet.” - Extract from Resistance, by Lina Salas.
This truly remarkable project, shares the story of the indigenous movement in Brazil, capturing the emotion of the event, the communities vulnerabilities, and their strength and resilience, as the story galvanises us into action and support. Learn more of this incredible story and the work created, via Icarus Complex Magazine. I’ve also a wide collection of images on my own Artist Website, so feel free to head there.
Coming soon
In the coming months Icarus Complex will share more from this story online and soon in print, with their focus next being more on Genilson’s work and his own personal journey as an indigenous photographer, as well as aspects of his working alongside myself and the organisation If Not Us Then Who?.
Meanwhile you can explore more of his work through a printed Zine we worked on together and have Available Online, titled - Ritual. All funds raised will further support his practice as well as circling back to the organisation If Not Us Then Who?, and supporting other indigenous storytellers.
Ceremony - Genilson Guajajara
Lomography
Lomography imagery from the march to Congress - Joel Redman
Previous to this assignment I had been experimenting with Lomography. I packed a couple of these small experimental cameras into my bag as I headed out on this trip, and I’m pleased I did, they give a raw sense of the atmosphere that was prevalent on the march, and are a great accompaniment to the more traditional work as well as the short film created. A wider collection of these images can be viewed on my site.
𝗫𝗢𝗛𝗔̃𝗛𝗜
Xᴏʜãʜɪ - Joel Redman
Indigenous Peoples and communities are stewards to some of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant regions. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices have been vital in preserving forests, water sources, and biodiversity. By protecting their territories, Indigenous Peoples contribute significantly to global efforts to combat climate change.
Through the creation of this work and through my journey as an artist, I have learned and continue to learn so much from those that I am fortunate to work alongside, many who are doing incredibly inspirational and selfless work, from established leadership to activist youth movements and individuals. Xᴏʜãʜɪ the young man in this portrait is a wonderful example of this, weaving cultural lessons and education into his online offerings. Learn more of this incredible individual and his community, via his engaging instagram feed.
Discover More
Portraits of Indigenous youth - Joel Redman
I’m always open to new collaborations and working relationships, so feel free to reach out if you’re a commissioner, artist, or curator, alternatively if you just want to say hi and bring your comments to the work that’s really great too, I’m always interested to hear how this work resonates with others.
Until my next share, have fun, and speak soon.
Joel
This is amazing Joel! Thank you for sharing a glimpse into a stunningly beautiful, meaningful & necessary movement.
As always, it’s so inspiring to read about your beautiful work! Thanks for sharing the journey 🙏🏻