Multidisciplinary artist Pedro Ferreira wants to change the way art and politics interact through their art. Originally from the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil, Ferreira and their best friend, fellow Dazed 100-er Enantios Dromos, made the intrepid transformative move across the world to Europe. They are now based in Berlin, where they work on interdisciplinary art project Limitrofe Television, and independent publication Bouquet. “I’m also planning to curate a music and arts festival later this year,” they say.

Citing Brazillian rapper Linn da Quebrada as someone who gives them hope, Ferreira themselves represents a new hopefulness for young people of Brazil. Coming from a country with high levels of censorship and conservative propaganda, Ferreira intends to radicalise their art in ways that speak to their beliefs and develop their practice. “My very first motivation was to liberate myself from everything I was told to do,” the artist says.

With Limitrofe, known for its striking, confrontational aesthetics, they have collaborated with Mykki Blanco, Jason’s Closet, and more. Moving to a different country and cementing their beliefs and art into new communities came from determination and passion. As they put it: “I see barriers but I don’t see impossibilities.”

When it comes to your work, what are you most proud of?

Pedro Ferreira: I’m most proud of the ability to restructure outdated systems. I hope to put forth the message that marginalised people, especially trans people, can make a living by being who they are and following their dreams. 

How is your work unique to you, or informed by your perspective, experiences, or identity?

Pedro Ferreira: As a body and mind displaced from social norms, born in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil, and raised by a sex worker – to believe in your capability of walking in the opposite direction than where the arrows were pointing you to, it’s like defying gravity. What I do deals with substance, unification, disruption, destruction, survival, instability, collectiveness, presence, precariousness, transition, and aggression. 

“I hope to put forth the message that marginalised people, especially trans people, can make a living by being who they are” – Pedro Ferreira

How has the Coronavirus outbreak affected you, your work, and/or your community?


Pedro Ferreira: I see it as a genocide of the less fortunate, of working class people, and (those in) risk groups, as most of the world’s population won’t have the opportunity to get treated if they get contaminated by the virus. It’s tragic but in the end, I think that the ‘normal days’ were more terrifying – at least now, we can’t turn a blind eye. Even though the most accountable for it remain blindfolded.

What creative or philanthropic project would you work on with a grant from the Dazed 100 Ideas Fund?

Pedro Ferreira: After relocating from Brazil to Europe I could better understand how scarce mine and the whole Brazilian dissident creative scene’s working conditions were, how limited our access and external support was. Supporting those who have always been supporting me is what moves me forward and nurtures my mind. Not letting geniuses starve to death or be taken by several types of violence as I often see happen in Brazil. My philanthropic plan is to organise a big group show for the Brazilian QTPOC creative community, to exist in a space together as never before.