Brazilian Cliches

A Humorous and Critical Visual Narrative of Brazil's History and Contemporary Society

Composed exclusively from images of a catalog of Brazilian letterpress cliches from the early 20th century, Brazilian Cliches takes readers on a visual journey through the country's past and present. Each page reveals different types of Brazilian cliches, ranging from historical events like the arrival of the Portuguese and the enslavement of native Indians, to contemporary issues such as traffic jams, closed condominiums, and alienation.

The book's illustrations, colored and composed digitally, provide a humorous yet highly critical perspective on Brazil's history and society. Through this visual narrative, Gustavo Piqueira offers a thought-provoking commentary on the country's cultural, social, and economic aspects.

One of the standout features of Brazilian Cliches is its unique design and production. The book features a special exposed binding, allowing readers to see the intricate details of its construction. The cover is made of a sheet of wood, printed in silkscreen, and manually attached with personalized adhesive tape. This attention to detail adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the design.

With a limited print run of one thousand numbered copies, Brazilian Cliches has garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2014, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the book's outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence that captivates readers and evokes a sense of wonder.

Brazilian Cliches is not only a visually captivating book, but also a thought-provoking exploration of Brazil's history and contemporary society. Its unique combination of humor and criticism offers readers a fresh perspective on the country's cultural identity and challenges them to reflect on the cliches that shape their own lives.

Experience the captivating world of Brazilian Cliches and discover the rich tapestry of Brazil's past and present through Gustavo Piqueira's innovative and thought-provoking design.