An ongoing series of artistic and pedagogical actions in Joinville, Brazil, with the goal of changing the name of the Costa e Silva neighborhood. Artur da Costa e Silva was one of the presidents from the Brazilian military dictatorship, responsible for the illegal imprisonment, torture and murder of many.
In 2024, I devised an action with 3 steps: production and distribution of pamphlets, online opinion polls to collect data from the residents, and the production and distribution of a 2nd print material that displays the data through infographics. I designed a pamphlet, A6 size, featuring a logo parodying that of the Ghostbusters and a QR code linking to an online poll. I printed 2000 copies, and hired a leafleting service to distribute the material in mail boxes within the Costa e Silva neighborhood. The poll received 126 responses in a week. It measured the popularity of 7 names suggested by supporters in our Facebook page, inviting visitors to vote for their favorite name, suggest other names or leave comments. The votes, suggestions and many insults were presented as a poster, part of an exhibition at AAPLAJ - an artists' co op and art gallery in Joinville.
In 2025 continued this project to collect more data and further promote the movement in Joinville. I printed another pamphlet, linking to a new poll and with different questions. Again I hired a leafleting service to distribute 2000 pamphlets, but this time I targeted 3 different neighborhoods: Comasa, Morro do Meio and Floresta. I asked visitors to pick among the 3 most popular names from last year's poll. I also inquired about their knowledge of Costa e Silva's legacy, the relevance of the names of public spaces, and the role of government in perpetuating tribute to nefarious historical figures. This poll received 84 responses in a week. I used those responses to create new infographics, then designed and printed 500 posters to be distributed in an exhibition at AAPLAJ.
Based on the data collected in the 2025 poll, I will plan on the next steps of this project for 2026.