Over 200 prints are on display, juxtaposed with photographs from the museum’s collection, ranging from the biggest covers of major fashion magazines to portraits of international pop culture stars like Rihanna, Harry Styles, and Beyoncé, as well as campaigns he created for leading fashion houses. The result is a vibrant and powerful style, creating striking and unique images.

Rafael Pavarotti’s personal history, born in the state of Pará in the Amazon rainforest in 1993, resonates in his approach to photography. The strong women in his family, his grandmother’s brightly colored tableware, and the natural environment in which he grew up all play a significant role in his inspiration.

Rafael Pavarotti taught himself photography at the age of 12 by sneaking his father’s camera. Four years later, drawn to fashion photography, he moved to Rio, then São Paulo, London, before settling in Paris. He produced numerous series for prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue, i-D, Acne Paper, and even the New York Times. His photographic style became a defining element in the fashion world and influenced campaigns for many houses, including Dior, Balmain, Margiela, Ferragamo, and L’Oréal.

In February 2022, he distinguished himself with the cover of British Vogue, ”  As the World Turns,  ” featuring nine Black models. Of African descent, Rafael Pavarotti states his desire to work for future generations by creating role models that allow all children to see themselves reflected and envision themselves, regardless of their skin color. By showcasing bodies underrepresented in fashion, he explores the political and social dimensions of this industry. He conveys this message through colorful, powerful photographs, sometimes embracing a pop or surrealist aesthetic, which tell stories: his own, but also those of the models whose memories and ideas he seeks out.