The Island’s "Baleeiras"
By the "Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
The Island’s "Baleeiras": stories of life, colors, and the sea
The "Baleeiras da Ilha" photo exhibition is part of a project with the same name, created in 2021 in Florianópolis to preserve the memory of this type of boat, which is typical of the Santa Catarina coast. In that year, photographer Cristina Gallo's lenses traveled to the main fishing communities on Santa Catarina Island to capture the details and nuances that give the "baleeiras" their unique beauty, which is translated into vibrant colors and curvilinear, harmonious shapes. In addition to the images, testimonials from the boats' owners were collected and are now part of this exhibition.
By the "Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
The Island’s "Baleeiras": stories of life, colors, and the sea
The "Baleeiras da Ilha" photo exhibition is part of a project with the same name, created in 2021 in Florianópolis to preserve the memory of this type of boat, which is typical of the Santa Catarina coast. In that year, photographer Cristina Gallo's lenses traveled to the main fishing communities on Santa Catarina Island to capture the details and nuances that give the "baleeiras" their unique beauty, which is translated into vibrant colors and curvilinear, harmonious shapes. In addition to the images, testimonials from the boats' owners were collected and are now part of this exhibition.
"This here is a precious thing." This is how Cláudio Martins, a professional fisherman from Costeira do Pirajubaé, defines his relationship with his "baleeira." "They already offered me a car for it, but I didn’t want it," he says, reinforcing his affection for the boat.
"This here is a precious thing." This is how Cláudio Martins, a professional fisherman from Costeira do Pirajubaé, defines his relationship with his "baleeira." "They already offered me a car for it, but I didn’t want it," he says, reinforcing his affection for the boat.
Safadinha isn't new; it was built in 1959, but it still operates like a young vessel, transporting passengers on Lagoa da Conceição. It is captained by its owner and biggest admirer, Luciano Elesbão.
Safadinha isn't new; it was built in 1959, but it still operates like a young vessel, transporting passengers on Lagoa da Conceição. It is captained by its owner and biggest admirer, Luciano Elesbão.
Açoriana is a "baleeira" that lives a calm life; it doesn't work. Its owner, Jair Dias, only uses it to go on boat rides with friends. In Mr. Jair's hands, the old boat was completely renovated, "from the keel to the gunwale," as he proudly states.
Açoriana is a "baleeira" that lives a calm life; it doesn't work. Its owner, Jair Dias, only uses it to go on boat rides with friends. In Mr. Jair's hands, the old boat was completely renovated, "from the keel to the gunwale," as he proudly states.
"Thank God," is how Mr. Valter Miguel de Andrade replies when asked if he is a fisherman. At 70 years old and retired, he now uses Rita Y to go for rides around Costa da Lagoa, where he lives, and to visit friends at the Rio Vermelho lake terminal.
"Thank God," is how Mr. Valter Miguel de Andrade replies when asked if he is a fisherman. At 70 years old and retired, he now uses Rita Y to go for rides around Costa da Lagoa, where he lives, and to visit friends at the Rio Vermelho lake terminal.
Juliana III was the work companion of José Alberto Queirós, who was proud to be the first professional mariculturist in Santa Catarina. He passed away in 2020 and left it as an inheritance to his granddaughter, Gabriela Cristina Queiroz.
Juliana III was the work companion of José Alberto Queirós, who was proud to be the first professional mariculturist in Santa Catarina. He passed away in 2020 and left it as an inheritance to his granddaughter, Gabriela Cristina Queiroz.
In 2021, Pepeta went through a rough patch. A strong wind caused it to sink at Sambaqui beach, where it was anchored. Its owner, fisherman José Ricardo de Souza, was undeterred and renovated it with his own hands, guaranteeing it many more good years at sea.
In 2021, Pepeta went through a rough patch. A strong wind caused it to sink at Sambaqui beach, where it was anchored. Its owner, fisherman José Ricardo de Souza, was undeterred and renovated it with his own hands, guaranteeing it many more good years at sea.
Aloízio Espindola, the owner of Iemanjá II, is a classic man of the sea. He is passionate about fishing, especially spearfishing, but to help with his budget, he also uses his "baleeira" to make crossings between Armação beach and Campeche Island.
Aloízio Espindola, the owner of Iemanjá II, is a classic man of the sea. He is passionate about fishing, especially spearfishing, but to help with his budget, he also uses his "baleeira" to make crossings between Armação beach and Campeche Island.
At 60 years old, Carlos Cesar Pereira has been a fisherman for 53 of them. When he was young, around 20 years old, he bought Vanessa. She is his ideal companion for the daily work of catching shrimp, mullet, parati, and whatever else the sea has to offer.
At 60 years old, Carlos Cesar Pereira has been a fisherman for 53 of them. When he was young, around 20 years old, he bought Vanessa. She is his ideal companion for the daily work of catching shrimp, mullet, parati, and whatever else the sea has to offer.
It's no surprise that Diego Anísio de Souza, a fisherman from João Paulo, has so much love for his "baleeira," which helps him put food on the table for his wife and four children. "Arte Real supports the household," he summarizes affectionately.
It's no surprise that Diego Anísio de Souza, a fisherman from João Paulo, has so much love for his "baleeira," which helps him put food on the table for his wife and four children. "Arte Real supports the household," he summarizes affectionately.
Dona Diva carries an honor. It was named after the mother of Salésio Ferreira, a "root fisherman" as he calls himself. He has been fishing since he was 12 years old and relies on the boat to keep going: "a 'baleeira' like this can face the sea," he declares.
Dona Diva carries an honor. It was named after the mother of Salésio Ferreira, a "root fisherman" as he calls himself. He has been fishing since he was 12 years old and relies on the boat to keep going: "a 'baleeira' like this can face the sea," he declares.
Credits
Exhibition: The Island’s "Baleeiras"
Gisele Dias
Journalist
"Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
Cristina Gallo
Photographer and Journalist
"Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
Luciano Luiz Dias
Naval Construction Technician and Meteorologist
"Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
Authorship and Curation
Cristina Gallo
Photographer and Journalist
"Baleeiras da Ilha" Project
Photography
Ticiano Alves
Exhibition Coordinator
EXEA Maritime Museum
Layout and Design
Juliana Rios
Marketing Coordinator
EXEA Maritime Museum
Exhibition Marketing
Águas Tranquilas
MusicGen Envato
Background Music
Leandro Vilar
General Director
EXEA Maritime Museum
Camila Rios
Technical Director | Museologist
EXEA Maritime Museum
Raphaella Belmont Alves
Executive Director | Orthographic Reviewer
EXEA Maritime Museum
Exhibition Revision
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