Ramos is the result of 4 summers that Julio Bittencourt spent in Rio de Janeiro, capturing the bathers who frequent Piscinão de Ramos. His photographic perspective creates a unique portrait of this unusual space where people enjoy moments of pleasure while also dealing with issues such as violence and pollution.
 
In the end, photographer Martin Parr provides a written forward on the powerful images in this photobook.
 
 
The beach is a playground where people can be themselves: they sun-bathe, gossip, swim, picnic and purchase all manner of goods. Countries display their national characteristics on the beach, adding to the delight of this theatre. If you are in Mexico, people bathe wearing tee shirts; on a British beach we have drizzle and stripey deck chairs; and on Spanish playas you can watch the morning perambulations of the over 50s along the stretch of sand at the water’s edge. 
 
You get a feel for what it must be like to actually be there. Bittencourt comes in close when he needs to, then takes us further back to reveal something more about this extraordinary place.
 
There are 30 signed books. 
 
Photographs: Julio Bittencourt
Text: Martin Parr
Publisher: Cosac Naify / Editora Madalena
Designer: Elaine Ramos
80 pages
Pictures: 37 (color)
Year: 2015
ISBN: 978-85-7503-999-1
Comments: Paperback, 23,5 x 31,5 cm