Pedro Martinelli presents Eye on the World at Alpharrabio

Pedro Martinelli presents Eye on the World at Alpharrabio

Renowned Santo André-born photographer Pedro Martinelli returns to his hometown on 11 July at 10:30 for a conversation about his new memoir, Eye on the World, published by Terra Virgem Editions.

The free event will be held at the Alpharrabio cultural space, at Eduardo Monteiro Street, 151, Bela Vista, Santo André. It forms part of the photography discussion programme organised by the Decisive Encounters project.

Regarded as one of Brazil’s leading photojournalists, Pedro Martinelli has documented papal elections, wars across Latin America, World Cups and female nudes.

In the 1970s, he spent two years alongside the Villas Bôas brothers, exclusively photographing the so-called “giant Indians” during his many expeditions through the Amazon.

Years later, he travelled deep into the Amazon rainforest and along its rivers aboard his own boat for an ambitious personal project. The work resulted in several major books: Panará, the Return of the Giant Indians (1998); Amazonia, the People of the Waters (2000); Women of the Amazon (2004); and People x Forest (2008).

In Eye on the World, Martinelli recounts engaging details from these and other moments in his professional career. The compelling first-person narrative, developed by acclaimed journalist and writer Carlos Maranhão, will appeal to readers interested in photography, journalism and powerful stories.

About Pedro Martinelli

Pedro Martinelli began working as a photographer at Gazeta Esportiva in 1967. He later worked for Diário do Grande ABC and O Globo, where, while still young, he covered the contact expedition involving the Kranhacãrore (Panará) during the construction of the Cuiabá–Santarém road.

He also worked for Veja magazine and led Abril Studio for more than a decade. Since 1994, he has devoted himself to documenting life in the Amazon. Influenced by Cláudio Villas Bôas, he spent extended periods in the forest, recording the relationship between people and nature.

His body of work includes independent projects such as Amazonia, the People of the Waters, People x Forest and Women of the Amazon, all distinguished by a sensitive approach and the use of mechanical cameras.

Terra Virgem Editions and Extraordinary Meetings

The publisher began operating in 1994. Since then, it has released six books in the Brazil Adventure series, seven in the Travelling Photographers series, four in the Times of Brazil series and seven books about the voyages of sailor Beto Pandiani, among many other titles.

It also publishes original photography books by nationally recognised artists including Pedro Martinelli, Edu Simões, Klaus Mitteldorf, Orlando Brito and Valdir Cruz, among others.

This discussion series, opening with photographer Pedro Martinelli, is part of the Decisive Encounters project. Its lectures and conversations alternate with the established Encounters held on the last Saturday of every month.

Both initiatives were created by photographers Fernando Ferreira, Marcello Vitorino and Rodrigo Pinto, with the support and partnership of the Alpharrabio cultural space. They provide photographers from the ABC region with an opportunity to exchange reflections based on their personal journeys.

All activities, which have taken place since December 2025, are free and open to the general public, particularly those interested in photography and visual content in all forms of production.

Event information

• 1st Extraordinary Meeting
• With Pedro Martinelli
• Date and time: 11 July, 10:30
• Venue: Alpharrabio Cultural Space
• Address: Eduardo Monteiro Street, 151, Bela Vista
• City: Santo André – SP
• Admission: Free

Book sale

• Title: Eye on the World
• Authors: Pedro Martinelli and Carlos Maranhão
• Cover: Paperback
• Format: 17,5 x 22 cm
• Photographs: 189
• Pages: 168
• Language: Portuguese
• Weight: 600 g
• ISBN: 978-85-88376-06-5
• Price: R$ 120,00