Brazilian artist Mundano has created a large mural in São Paulo composed of materials from climate disasters to highlight the urgent issue of climate change in Brazil. The mural depicts the devastation of deforestation and drought in the Amazon, featuring Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap, and directs a crucial message at Cargill, a major soybean producer. Mundano’s work seeks to hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact and emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate events.
Mundano, a Brazilian artist and activist, has recently unveiled a thought-provoking mural in São Paulo, utilizing unconventional materials derived from climate-related disasters. This monumental artwork, measuring over 30 meters in height and 48 meters in width, serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic impacts of climate change that have been increasingly evident across Brazil. The mural employs ash from wildfires and mud from devastating floods, vividly depicting the gray remnants of burnt trees amidst a parched, cracked landscape, symbolizing the rampant deforestation and extreme drought conditions affecting the Amazon rainforest. Notably, the artwork features Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap adorned with a floral circle, holding a sign that reads: “Stop the destruction keepyourpromise,” a direct appeal to Cargill, a major U.S.-based soybean producer implicated in deforestation activities. Cargill has committed to eradicating deforestation from its supply chain in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay by 2025. However, Mundano seeks to hold the corporation accountable, expressing frustration over the exploitation of natural resources in Brazil. In his own words, he stated, “We are tired of being a country, a continent where we and the natural resources we have here are exploited… We have to regenerate our planet instead of destroying it.” The urgency of his message is underscored by the ongoing climate crises, as Brazil grapples with severe drought and the repercussions of wildfires that have ravaged protected regions of the Amazon. Current predictions from Brazil’s disaster warning center, Cemaden, indicate that these drought conditions will persist for the foreseeable future. The mural’s significance is further illustrated by the incorporation of materials sourced directly from recent climate disasters, including mud from the severe floods in Rio Grande do Sul, which resulted in over 180 fatalities. Reflecting on the interconnectedness of climate events, Mundano emphasizes, “From floods to droughts, everything is connected!” This latest mural represents his largest piece to date and serves as an extension of his previous environmental advocacy efforts.
The topic of the mural revolves around the alarming consequences of climate change, particularly as it manifests in Brazil. Recent environmental disasters, including severe droughts and wildfires, have raised awareness regarding the critical condition of the Amazon rainforest, which is pivotal for global ecological balance. The exploitation of the rainforest for agriculture, particularly soybean farming led by corporations such as Cargill, exacerbates the problem of deforestation. Artists like Mundano leverage their craft to advocate for environmental awareness and accountability from corporations contributing to these crises. His work not only serves as art but also as a medium for activism, aiming to foster dialogue on pressing ecological issues.
Mundano’s mural serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency to address climate change and the role large corporations play in environmental degradation. By using materials directly sourced from disaster sites, the artist draws attention to the dire state of the Amazon and advocates for accountability in corporate practices that contribute to deforestation. Through this form of artistic activism, Mundano calls for collective responsibility in regenerating the planet and protecting invaluable natural resources for future generations.
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