Slum is Transformed by Art

Simple. Stunning. Stupendous. 

Three words which immediately come to mind when contemplating the photos that accompany this article on telegraph.co.uk which describes the transformation by some very creative artists of a favela or slum in Rio de Janeiro. 

An act as simple as artfully applied stripes of multi-colored paint can turn an eyesore into a place of heart breaking beauty. The artists have thus far painted over 34 buildings and have also added large murals in strategic spots.

Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn, who originally came to Brazil in 2005 to film a documentary about hip-hop in the country's shanty communities, chose to stay and began this painting project.

A nightwatchman in the area remarked, "The atmosphere is better, more enjoyable. It really improves the self-esteem of everyone here, I've lived here 35 years and is great to see the whole area gradually improving".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/7826854/A-Rio-de-Janeiro-favela-or-slum-is-turned-into-a-rainbow-of-colour-with-paint-and-local-help.html