‘Brazilians and Russians Share a Unique Connection’

Photo courtesy of Tobias Vilhena de Moraes

Tobias Vilhena de Moraes is a historian working at Museu Lasar Segall in São Paulo, Brazil, and a faculty member of the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences at the University of Campinas. He is now working on a master’s degree at HSE University-St Petersburg.

Tobias spoke to the HSE News Service about the artist who inspired him to come to Russia, why HSE dormitories are like a miniature UN, and much more—including how he ended up playing a bear in an ancient Russian ritual.

Tobias Vilhena de Moraes

— Tell us about your background.

— I studied history at the Pontificio Catholic University of São Paulo. Since then, I have worked with heritage in Brazil for many years. Brazil boasts a rich array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its diverse cultural and natural heritage. I have a master's and a PhD in history and heritage in Brazil.

— What brought you to Russia?

— Lasar Segall, the artist who emigrated from Imperial Russia to Brazil! He’s considered one of the most important modernist artists in Brazil. Many of his paintings were exhibited in Germany, where he had studied, but the Nazis labelled his art as ‘degenerate’ for depicting Jewish people, Russian people, Brazilians of African descent, and individuals with illnesses. This created significant challenges for him.

Now we preserve a part of Russian history and his legacy at Museu Lasar Segall, a public museum in São Paulo. As a historian working in the museum’s historical archives, I deal with many letters written in Russian and Yiddish—testimonies of his background as a Jewish Russian immigrant. We even have a project to translate these documents.

I’ve got a Russian government scholarship to study at HSE University for two years. I am writing my master’s on the topic ‘Lasar Segall: a Jewish-Russian artist in the tropics.’

— When did you come to Russia? What inspired you to study Russian language and culture?

— I moved here in September 2024, but my first visit was in December 2023 to explore universities (particularly HSE University) and meet professors. I even had the chance to present a paper at Moscow State University, discussing Russian Jewish immigration to Brazil.

I started learning Russian back in 2017, primarily for our museum’s project to translate Lasar Segall’s letters. Learning Russian is a slower process compared to other languages, so I often joke with my Russian friends that I either sound like a child or a robot—sometimes a baby robot! But being here allows me to immerse myself, which is invaluable.

When I was at school in the 1980s, my geography teacher showed us a movie called Dersu Uzala. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, it tells a beautiful story about a Russian military topographer who meets an indigenous hunter while on an expedition. Sitting by the fire one night, they start talking about Russian culture and singing music, even though they are from different backgrounds. That is Russia to me.

Dersu Uzala is a very beautiful movie that left a mark on my life—I think I watched it seven times!

— Tell us a little about your academic work here.

— I study at the master’s programme in Global and Regional History. My primary focus is exploring the Russian elements in Lasar Segall’s work and how these transformed after his migration to Brazil. Segal’s exposure to Brazilian nature and colours had a significant impact on his art, and I want to analyse these influences in detail.

I’m working under Kirill Chunikhin, Associate Professor at the School of Arts and Humanities Department of History. He specialises in Russian artists and their migration to Latin America. He’s the perfect supervisor for my research.

— How is life in St Petersburg? Where are you staying?

— I live in an HSE dormitory near Obukhova metro station. It’s a very international environment, with students from Nigeria, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and others. I sometimes joke that it feels like the United Nations! My roommates and neighbours have made it a welcoming and enriching experience.

In my free time, I love exploring the city. On weekends, I’ll go for long walks, visit museums, or attend the theatre. I recently watched the opera Iolanta and enjoyed every moment.

HSE University offers a lot of activities, such as cooking lessons. Recently, my colleagues and I went on a tour of places related to the 1917 revolution

One of the biggest adjustments was understanding the metro system. Thankfully, HSE University provided buddies to help us navigate in the beginning.

Another funny realisation was about winter. In Brazil, we imagine Russia as being perpetually snowy, but here I’ve learned about the unpredictable transitions—from snow to slush to ice. Walking can be quite the challenge!

— What are your experiences of talking to Russians and learning the language?

— The reaction is always warm. Brazilians and Russians share a unique connection. Many Russians are familiar with Brazilian culture, and some even mention Brazilian literature and music.

Brazil also translates a significant number of Russian authors. Last year, we completed the full translation of Dostoevsky’s works, and there are Russian book clubs in Brazil discussing writers like Gogol and Mayakovsky. It’s a testament to the cultural bridge between our countries.

I also make an effort to practice Russian as much as possible, even if I make mistakes. Talking to people in cafes or on the streets helps me learn faster

I’ve also been taking Russian classes at HSE and other institutions to improve my proficiency and better engage with my work.

— You visited Totma, a town in the north nearly 900 km from St Petersburg and with less than 9,000 residents. What was that like?

— I was invited to join an ethnographic expedition there led by Lidia Rakhmanova, Senior Lecturer at the Department of History. We travelled through small villages, talking to the locals and recording interviews with them. It was an amazing place—an ancient salt factory. I learned many new Russian words related to snow. I even played the role of a bear in an ancient Russian ritual called Kolyadki, where people dress up in various folk costumes, sing songs, and walk around the village. I also rang the bells in the church tower.

It was very beautiful to see the celebrations and the connection with people in Totma. It's something you have to experience for yourself

— What advice do you have for students coming to Russia?

First, don’t be shy. Speak Russian, even if you make mistakes. That’s how you learn. Second, don’t stay isolated in your dorm. Go out, meet people, and explore the culture. Join clubs, visit museums, and attend events. Third, learn the language. Even basic Russian will make your daily life much easier and more enjoyable.

— How do you evaluate your Russian experience so far?

— This experience is not just about scientific research. It’s about building bridges between Brazil and Russia. My goal is to share what I learn here with people back home and to help Russians understand the legacy of their compatriots who immigrated to Brazil. I believe this mutual exchange of knowledge and culture benefits both nations immensely.