Brazilian artist Mundano’s new mural in Sao Paulo utilizes ash and mud to depict the harsh realities of climate change, emphasizing deforestation in the Amazon and urging accountability from soy producer Cargill. The artwork, featuring Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap, reflects the devastating impact of wildfires and floods across Brazil, reinforcing the urgent need for environmental responsibility.
Brazilian artist Mundano recently unveiled a significant street mural in Sao Paulo that serves as a poignant commentary on the climate crisis affecting the country. Utilizing ash harvested from wildfires and mud obtained from flood areas, this striking mural spans over 30 meters (approximately 98.4 feet) in height and 48 meters (approximately 157.5 feet) in width. It poignantly illustrates the themes of deforestation and severe drought pervasive in the Amazon rainforest, featuring barren, cracked earth and the remnants of gray tree stumps. Notably, the mural portrays Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap adorned with a floral crown, holding a sign that implores, “Stop the destruction keepyourpromise.” This message is primarily directed at Cargill, a major soy producer, given that soy cultivation is one of the principal contributors to deforestation in the Amazon. Cargill has pledged to eradicate deforestation within its supply chain in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay by the year 2025, and Mundano seeks to ensure the company adheres to this commitment. In an interview, Mundano expressed frustration at the exploitation of both people and natural resources in Brazil, advocating for regenerative practices rather than destructive ones. The mural serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of human activity, particularly in light of the extreme weather events that have befallen Brazil, including rampant wildfires and devastating floods. Recent data illustrates the significant impact of climate change on the Amazon, with alarming declines in river levels, particularly the Negro River, which recently recorded its lowest depth since official measurements began 122 years ago. Additionally, the country has witnessed severe drought, exacerbating an already critical situation projected to continue. The combination of climate change and poor environmental practices has resulted in detrimental weather anomalies, such as the unprecedented flooding in Rio Grande do Sul earlier this year, which tragically claimed over 180 lives and dislocated more than two million individuals. Mundano, identifying as an “artivist,” incorporated elements from flood responses, sourcing mud from activist organizations, and utilized ash drawn from various Brazilian biomes including the Amazon and the Pantanal. In a recent Instagram post, Mundano emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental issues, stating, “From floods to droughts, everything is connected!” This mural marks Mundano’s most extensive work to date, building on previous endeavors that similarly addressed topics of environmental degradation.
The intersection of art and activism has become increasingly pronounced in response to global climate change, with many artists using their platforms to raise awareness of environmental issues. Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest, faces significant challenges due to deforestation driven primarily by agricultural practices, especially soy farming. The country’s climate has been adversely affected by human activities, leading to extreme weather conditions such as prolonged droughts and catastrophic floods. Artists like Mundano utilize their work to provoke thought and inspire action regarding these urgent issues, engaging the public in conversations about sustainability and corporate responsibility, particularly focusing on influential players in the agricultural sector such as Cargill, which has a significant stake in soy production.
In conclusion, Mundano’s mural in Sao Paulo serves as a critical artistic intervention aimed at highlighting the severe impacts of climate change and deforestation in Brazil. Through poignant imagery and the utilization of materials directly connected to environmental degradation, the artwork calls for accountability from corporations like Cargill and emphasizes the interconnected nature of environmental crises. It is a powerful reminder of the need for collective responsibility in addressing climate-related challenges.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
