It was long and exhausting work but he continued on and eventually covered the entire set of steps in tiles, ceramics and mirrors.

[1] Originally, tiles for the work were scavenged from various construction sites and piles of urban waste found on the Rio streets.

[1] He traveled, lived and worked as a painter and sculptor in over 50 countries around the world before arriving and deciding to settle in Rio de Janeiro in 1983.

[1] Many times, his phone was cut off and he was threatened to be evicted from his house due to being unable to afford the living costs.

He was constantly spotted at the steps working by day and treating drunken revelers to fascinating anecdotes by night.

National Geographic Channel, American Express, Coca-Cola, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Time and Playboy are just some of the media that the steps have appeared in/on.