24 Hours With… Eduarda Del Cueto
Building on our celebration of Lina Bo Bardi’s work, Browns set out to uncover some of the vibrant Brazilian creative scene bubbling beneath the surface of São Paulo. Taking us on a tour of Bo Bardi’s MASP museum, production designer and DJ Eduarda Del Cueto guides us through 24 hours in the city, stopping en route for acai, art, and of course, a dose of the city’s music scene.
M O R N I N G
M O R N I N G
M O R N I N G
M O R N I N G
10.00am
Getting dressed to start the day. Trying out a couple of different looks!
What time do you wake up and where?
It depends, but around 9am and with my partner and my cats.
Can you describe the neighbourhood where you live?
I live in Santa Cecilia, downtown São Paulo. It's a mix of young creatives and old people, and it has a lot of cafes, restaurants and parks. I guess you could say it's a gentrified place as the rent is only getting higher!
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Brush my teeth, take a shower and some selfies.
Can you describe your home? Do you share it with anyone?
It’s cozy and always open. I share it with my wifey Prata, my cats and my friend Chicana.
10.30am
On my way to visit MASP.
11.00am
My beloved acai and orange juice.
11.30am
Arriving at the Museum of Art of São Paulo, designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi.
What does your average day look like?
It depends, but I usually work from home researching visual references and music. Whenever it’s possible I work from my studio where I can play music.
Do you have any rituals?
Hm, not really. I mean, there are times when I get obsessed by something - like waking up and listening to the same Massive Attack album first thing in the morning!
Where is your work located and how do you get there?
Luckily, at home! Sometimes I have to work from the movie production place but it's mostly at home or on set.
D A Y T I M E
D A Y T I M E
D A Y T I M E
D A Y T I M E
12.00pm
I love this painting by Brazilian artist Tarsila do Amaral.
The colours really get me.
12.30pm
I like to research for references whenever I go to museums.
1.00pm
I’m deeply touched by Lina Bo Bardi’s work. She’s an inspiration for both her ideas and her courage to propose the new. That’s how I aspire to be.
How would you describe what you do?
I'm a production designer and DJ, and I also produce my own party, Vorlat. So my life and my job are both really focused on researching, references and learning as much as I can about the things I do, namely film and music.
What does production design involve?
It involves creating the film's atmosphere, the visual mood, working with the director, thinking about the styling and make-up and taking care of the whole art team. It's creative but it's also about problem solving.
How did you arrive in São Paulo?
I grew up in Canoas, Rio Grande Do Sul, south of Brasil. When I was 22 I was an intern at a digital channel as video editor and they were planning to open a studio here and they needed someone they trusted. So I said I really wanted to move, and within a month I was here.
What are the projects you’re working on at the moment?
I'm finishing my first movie. It's a documentary/fashion film I co-directed last year with Florian Joahn, Jean Paul Paula, Rodrigo Inada and Kelton Campos. I'm also working on the biggest Vorlat ever (that's my party). Working on some new mixtapes and videos, some new party projects, and maybe also a label and a radio station.
How would you describe the creative scene in São Paulo?
Nonstop. Here you can find whatever you're looking for. There are so many creative minds, young people that want change. They don't wait around - people in São Paulo are always creating something new. The same can also be said for the rest of Brasil - we have brilliant creative people everywhere, not only in the city centres.
2.30pm
Time flies in here. The first painting is a work by Abdias Nascimento, such an important artist, and the second is by Candido Portinari. It’s impossible not to cry at his work.
3.30pm
At Restaurante Syria, my favorite place in São Paulo.
5.00pm
Visiting my BFF’s new apartment overlooking the city.
What influence has Lina Bo Bardi’s work had on you?
She inspires me to think forward and always be open to what's new.
Favourite Lina Bo Bardi building?
Certainly MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo). It was the first place I ever visited in São Paulo. The very first time I came here I went to Paulista and asked a random person to take a photo of me in front of MASP!
What does her work represent to Brazilian creatives?
So much. MASP is not just a museum, it’s also a political place. Lots of demonstrations happen there (not all of them are good, and some of them go against everything that Lina believed), but it's a living, breathing place in the city.
Who are other people who inspire you creatively?
A lot of people. I'm pretty lucky to have so many inspirations around me and be able to share my life and points of view with lots of them.
Whilst working, where do you go and what do you do to take a break?
I love to walk around São Paulo, but sometimes I just take a break at my balcony or go to my friend's houses.
Best thing about São Paulo?
It has anything you could possibly want.
E V E N I N G
E V E N I N G
E V E N I N G
E V E N I N G
8.00pm
Out in the evening to see some music.
12.00am
Back home for some pizza and to see my cats.
12.30am
Not getting any younger! Time for bed.
What’s on your bookshelf right now?
Angela Davis.
How do you like to spend your evenings?
I like to stay at my studio with my friends playing CDJs and making music with Prata. I also like to go out but honestly, I love to go to parties in the morning (a lot of parties here go until midday at least!)
Best recommendation for dinner in São Paulo?
Restaurante Syria, na Avenida São João.
What’s the party scene like in the city?
Truly unique.
Favourite thing to drink?
Açai and orange juice.
Favourite place to go out?
Warehouses and micro parties at the small bars downtown.
Favourite Brazilian DJ?
Badsista and RHR.
What do you dream about?
So many things. My biggest dream is to see everyone I know that has so much to create having the means and access to do so.
