Over the last month, the artistic duo Haas & Hahn have been transforming the square of Praça Cantão from a shanty town to a gloriously vibrant piece of art on a monumental scale. The work entitled the ‘Favela Painting’ spans 7000 metres, and 34 houses, and aims to make these communities a vital part of Rio’s image transforming communities into landmarks and inspirational monuments.

Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn of Haas & Hahn were initially inspired by a trip they made to Rio De Janeiro with MTV to film a documentary about hip-hop in the favela communities. What has resulted is a celebration of art, hope, and community.