"Welcome to the TROPICAL TRAUMA MISERY TOUR. I invite you to take this tour through a roofless theatre called media, the stage representing the farce and media opportunism of the Brazilian former president and far-right populist Jair Messias Bolsonaro—The Myth. In 2018, Bolsonaro was stabbed during a presidential rally campaign. Against a backdrop of polarisation, micro-narratives, and misinformation, The Myth starred in an online political campaign where he had complete control over his narrative and self-presentation. This tour investigates how the ambiguity of the stabbing event exposes the network propaganda in the Brazilian political game. Through a speculative documentary photography practice, this piece overcomes the political illusions and dissemination of nonprogressive values of digital populists. The fictionalisation of the real is a form of resistance toward such ideological shams and manipulations. It devolves into a meta-play – a farce within a farce of the blurred line between truth and political performance."
—Rafael Roncato

"Intriguing and thought-provoking, the “Tropical Trauma Misery Tour” photobook of the Brazilian Rafael Roncato is a brilliant foray into the style of a detective novel, unfolding against the media spectacle surrounding Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro—The Myth. The focus on the pivotal year of 2018, marked by Bolsonaro’s stabbing during a polarized presidential campaign, sees the former president assuming a central role in an online political campaign where he maintains complete control over his narrative and self-presentation.

The book stands as a testament to creativity, audacity, and exceptional intelligence. I was thoroughly captivated by its enchanting and exotic style, adeptly exploring the intricate political narratives shaping our world. Through a captivating blend of creative elements and editorial tactics, this book emerges as a vital tool, encouraging individuals to widely disseminate its message while condemning the dangers associated with misinformation. The blending of reality becomes a mode of resistance, unfolding as a meta-drama within the realm of political farce. This magnificent piece serves as an ironic guide, decoding the intricacies of Brazilian politics and media manipulation. It not only visually captures the impact of events but also acts as a potent gauge of the blurred line between truth and political performance.

A must-see for those seeking a visual journey into the heart of contemporary Brazilian political discourse, and for other countries that are contagiously impacted by this powerful farce."
—Ângela Berlinde

Rafael Roncato (Brazil, 1989) is an interdisciplinary visual artist, editor, and mentor straddling Brazil and the Netherlands. With a Master's in Photography & Society from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, and a Bachelor's in Multimedia Journalism, he delves into the nexus of imagery, power structures, and belief systems through semi-fictional narratives. Rafael employs non-linear methods and multiple means of representation, incorporating video, text and archival material to decode today's mass media landscapes and myths. He also teaches artist bookmaking at the Royal Academy of Art, besides other workshops and project mentoring related to photography and editing. His photobook, Tropical Trauma Misery Tour, has garnered significant acclaim, winning the (Kassel) Dummy Award '23 (GER), Prêmio Lovely '23 (BR), and the Special Mention Award at Hong Kong Photobook Festival '23.