UNIFUNK caught up with our old graffiti crew from Rio de Janeiro last weekend. Visiting Europe for various projects and collaborating with fellow artists here in London, we spoke to Mente (Marcelo Coelho) in Waterloo, Leake Street with Amber and Chang.

“The UK street art scene is a big reference for us (Brazilians). In Sao Paolo and Rio the scene started in 84/85, way after NYC and London. People like Banksy ofcourse but also my friends like Amba and Chang. The difference in Rio though is that it’s very open in regards to graffiti. People love street art and graffiti and although it’s not allowed by law you can still paint in daylight without permission so its really relaxed. Especially in the favelas, people will encourage you to paint their houses and then invite you for food and beers afterwards.  That’s a great experience in Rio you know, people have no money yet they want to share and be a part of your art! Even here in the UK with all the restrictions you have, artists will always find a way but there are many pros and cons in both countries.

From Rio to Europe, Mente has been exhibiting his work and participating in commissions and on this specific trip, a co-funded, collaborative exhibit in Paris with the French Alliance.

Recently, the Brazillian government have been investing in culture including street art projects and one of these insentives financed Mentes Exhibit in Rio. “It’s an exciting time in Brazil,  with the next World Cup and Olympics taking place in Brazil, which is really exciting for us, there have been and will be a lot more investments in this scene which will expose more talent and creativity of Brazil. We have a big modern and contemporary Art Fair in Rio last year which made over 4 million Reals in its 1^st year. Simultaniously they had ‘Art Rua” festival (Street Art) in partnetrship with Art Rio in an amazing location with national artists and its happening again next year.”

To view his work check out his website:

http://marceloment.com.br/