Through a series of 30 paintings, Monica Mendes series of “Favelas” depicts Morro do Papagaio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.  More importantly, Favelas is a social and political statement about Brazil and the Brazilian people. The dripping paint seen on the canvas represents the pain and sorrow she feels when she sees the problems Brazilians are currently enduring, as they face the biggest ethical scandal to plague the country in our lifetimes.  At the same time, through scenes of their day-to-day lives, Favelas also captures the heart, spirit, and resilience of the Brazilian people. Through Favelas, the artist hopes to bring awareness and spread love by humanizing the Brazilian struggle.  After all, life does not give up, and neither should we.