Artist found burned to death on top of his masterpiece

[Judi Lynn]

3. Artist found dead on Rio mosaic staircase he spent 20 years creating

Artist found dead on Rio mosaic staircase he spent 20 years creating

Jorge Selarón created one of city's most distinctive landmarks by decorating steps with brightly coloured tiles and mirrors

Jonathan Watts in Rio de Janeiro
The Guardian, Thursday 10 January 2013 10.58 EST


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Chilean artist Jorge Selarón on the stairs he spent 20 years decorating.
Photograph: Antonio Scorza/AFP
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The ceramic street artist who created one of Rio de Janeiro's most distinctive landmarks was found dead on Thursday on the spectacular mosaic staircase in Lapa that he decorated with brightly coloured tiles and mirrors over more than two decades.

Jorge Selarón, a Chilean artist who transformed the 215 steps of the Convent of Santa Teresa as a "tribute to the Brazilian people", had reportedly suffered depression and was being threatened by a former colleague connected to local drug gangs.

No verdict has been given on the cause of death but friends said they had feared he would kill himself because he felt betrayed.

Photographs showed that passersby have already lit candles near the body as a mark of respect for the much loved artist, who went from obscurity to fame but never left the gritty neighbourhood that is at the heart of the city's Samba culture.

More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/10/artist-found-dead-rio-mosaic

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Wonderful link, many photos, close-ups, details of the incredible staircase:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/jorgeselar%C3%B3n/interesting/