Rafael Cosme, a visual artist based in Rio de Janeiro, has dedicated the last eight years to uncovering lost treasures of historical significance, primarily through collecting negatives, slides, and photographs from antique fairs and stores. His passion revolves around the amateur images taken in a time when cameras were not commonplace, capturing moments such as beachgoers at Flamengo beach, New Year's celebrations in 1977, and scenes recalling Brazil's first World Cup victory in 1958. These images represent a significant part of Brazilian history that otherwise may have faded from public memory.

Cosme's extensive collection, which boasts around 300,000 images, offers a voyeuristic glimpse into Brazilian life, particularly focusing on Rio de Janeiro but also including other locations across the country. This vast repository provides an opportunity to explore the cultural and social fabric of Brazil from the late 19th century onward, highlighting the stark contrast between the rarity of photographic moments in the past and the overwhelming visual noise of today's digital age. Through this work, Cosme plays an essential role in preserving a piece of Brazilian heritage that recognizes the unsung lives of its citizens.

The effort to curate these historical photographs not only revives forgotten narratives but also sparks conversations about the importance of memory, identity, and the art of photography itself. In an era where digitalization tends to overshadow the personal touch of photography, Cosme's initiative serves as a reminder of the value embedded in the ephemeral moments of everyday life, urging society to reflect on its past and the lives of people who shaped it.