Creative Shortlist

Complejo Bulevar is a cooperative housing complex in Montevideo, Uruguay, which has been a beacon of resilience for 50 years. Home to 332 families, it is open to the surrounding neighbourhood and has stood as a sanctuary for collective living since its creation. Defying isolation and fear, the co-op has become a vibrant space of belonging, solidarity and creativity, countering the loneliness of modern life. This series uses collaborative interventions, such as embroidery and drawing on photographs, to weave the residents’ voices and histories into the visual narrative. These handmade elements reflect the complex’s collective identity, celebrating its fight against disconnection and its embrace of freedom and community. Blending documentary photography with artistic expression, the project honours Complejo Bulevar as both a physical and symbolic space of resistance, connection and imagination. This project was created by Mariana Greif with the support of Magnum Foundation.

Mariana is a visual storyteller, video maker and photographer, who currently lives between São Paulo and Montevideo. She is interested in collaborations and working in projects that are close to her heart, immigration, gender, disabilities, housing and justice. She is part of Women Photograph, Diversify Photo, and Coletivo Agua, and she works freelance for international agencies and in longer term projects.