What if it were possible to step into the forest that inspired Tom Jobim? That’s the concept behind the “Jobim-açu” exhibition, which arrives in Rio de Janeiro in September to mark the composer’s centennial.
The free, traveling exhibition transforms a truck into a kind of poetic clearing, where music, memory, and nature intertwine to recreate Jobim’s relationship with the Atlantic Forest. We’ll tell you more here!
Exhibition is part of Rio Art Week
Curated by journalist Hugo Sukman and filmmaker Daniela Thomas, the exhibition is part of the Rio Art Week program and will occupy two public spaces in the city.
From September 1 to 6, it will be on display at Santos Dumont Square in Gávea. Next, it will move to the Orla Prefeito Luiz Paulo Conde waterfront in the Port District, from September 16 to 20.
Among the exhibition’s interesting details, the title directly references the song “Querelas do Brasil” by Aldir Blanc and Maurício Tapajós. This is because, in the lyrics, Aldir combines the composer’s last name with the Tupi suffix “açu, ” which means “great.”
And this choice isn’t just a tribute! It also encapsulates the vision that guides the entire exhibition. According to Hugo, Tom Jobim viewed the forest as cultural heritage and used to say that all of his work had been inspired by the Atlantic Forest.
What to Expect from the “Jobim-açu” Exhibition
The experience begins outside. The truck is wrapped in a new work by architect and illustrator Danilo Zamboni, which transforms the structure into an extension of the landscape that shaped Jobim’s imagination.
Inside, suspended fabrics display song lyrics and photographs from different moments in the composer’s life. In addition, a large panel showcases biographical highlights of his career.
Outside, five stations featuring 20 panels trace Tom Jobim’s life, from his childhood to his international recognition as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.
Small stools scattered throughout the space invite the public to linger, browse through materials, and slow down, transforming the plaza into a setting for socializing and contemplation.
The soundscape varies depending on the day. During the week, the soundtrack features compositions in which nature is the central theme, reinforcing the exhibition’s educational value for students and children.
On weekends, the repertoire changes to include classics such as “Chega de Saudade” and “Se Todos Fossem Iguais a Você.” The exhibition will also host workshops combining music, literature, illustration, and environmental education.
