Sailor and nurse celebrate the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. New York, USA, 1945. (Victor Jorgensen, AP Photo) / Mercedes Batista and Valter Ribeiro at the Gafieira Estudantina Musical (ballroom dance). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1960. (José Medeiros, Instituto Moreira Salles)

Brasíllia, January 23, 2008 - The U.S. Embassy, Caixa Cultural Brasília, and the U.S.-Brazil Fulbright Commission opened the exibit “Visual Expressions” on January 22, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Commission in Brazil. The exibit showcases 125 photographs to mark the occasion and highlight the close historical and cultural ties between Brazil and the United States.

Divided into six sections -- Heritage, Politics, Culture, Citizenship, Sports and the Environment -- the exhibit compares American and Brazilian published photographic images from national magazines and newspapers.  The photos are drawn from the archives of Folha de São Paulo, O Estado de São Paulo, O Globo, Jornal do Brasil, Última Hora, The Washington Post and The New York Times, with others coming from the Immigrant Museum, Moreira Sales Institution, Magnum Photos, NASA, the National Archives, Reuters and the Associated Press. It took curator João Kulcsár one year and eight months to select appropriate photos that demonstrate the closeness and similarities between the American and Brazilian people. A number of the images on display have received international recognition, such as the Pulitzer Prize, Esso Prize or the World Press Photo Award.

"The anniversary of the Fulbright program in Brazil provides a useful moment to reflect on the shared interests and challenges our two nations face." Ambassador Clifford M. Sobel

The exhibit juxtaposes images in interesting and thought-provoking ways, as with a set of photos contrasting the resignations of Presidents Nixon and Collor and another set inviting comparisons between the U.S. and Brazilian social justice movements.  Other images depict pivotol moments in history and important achievements, such as the successes of Brazil’s three-time World Champion soccer team, the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the departure of Brazilian President Goulart after the military takeover of 1964.  Cultural similarities, such as those between Carnaval in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, are also a prominent part of the exhibit. Many visitors will undoubtedly find themselves thinking back to where they were at the moment certain historic pictures were taken.  

The Fulbright Program was created by the United States following World War II to increase understanding between the American people and countries around the world.  The Fulbright Commission is a binational organization, funded and operated by both countries, promoting educational and cultural exchange programs between Brazil and the United States.  Since its inception in Brazil over 50 years ago, more than 5000 Brazilians and Americans have received scholarships to study, research, and teach in each other’s countries, quietly forging closer bilateral ties.

Complete information on the Fulbright program, including scholarship opportunities, is available at www.fulbright.org.br.

The “Visual Impressions” exhibit will be on display from January 23 until Febuary 24, 2008 at Caixa Cultural. Caixa Cultural is open from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday at SBS Qd. 4 Lote 3/4.

Cultural Attaché David Hodge, Curator João Kulcsár and the U.S. Embassy Country Public Affairs Officer Richard Stites. (Photo: U.S. Embassy)	Ambassador Clifford M. Sobel, Mrs. Barbara Sobel, Caixa Manager for International Affairs, Maria Letícia Macedo and Caixa Director for International Affairs, Mario Ricardo Maia. (Photo: U.S. Embassy)