Portraits of migrant Bolivians living in Sao Paulo

A young migrant Bolivian through the lens of Leandro Viana de Paula.

There is a common adage in photography that it is hard to narrate a life story through a portrait. Nevertheless, Brazilian photographer Leandro Viana de Paula has taken on the challenge of narrating the story of migrant Bolivians living in one of Brazil's major cities, Sao Paulo.
Leandro's story “Bolivia in Sao Paulo”--comprising eight black and white portraits-- is now on display at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. His work is among the 35 print exhibitions at the ongoing Chobi Mela VII.
In a note beside the image, Leandro says that everyday thousands of Bolivians arrive in Sao Paulo. They migrate from different parts of Bolivia in the hope of a new and better life. They are economic migrants.
Viewing only eight to 10 photographs, it is hard to have a comprehensive view of the magnitude of economic migration issues. But the photos have some aspects to make the title of the story meaningful.
The artistically rich photos articulate some apparently vague faces. The individuals are dressed in traditional Bolivian attire. In a couple of photos, the subjects seem happy when they stand along with traditional musical instruments. Other than that, in most photos, they are static, apparently worried about their uncertain future.
The photographer has chosen individuals of different ages as his subjects. He took individual and group photos providing different perspectives.
The note also reads, “Along with hopes, the immigrants also bring a willingness to do any kind of work in any place. Unfortunately this attitude makes them completely vulnerable to exploitation by employers in the city. Most of them find themselves working in below-standard conditions, without official permits and this illegal status prevents them fighting against injustices”.
It is apparent from their faces that the migrants are in a miserable condition. Seeing the photos one can relate to the misery of Bangladeshi migrants who live illegally in different parts of the world.
The exhibition will remain open till February 7.