In collaboration with esteemed journalist Juvenal Pereira, I had the privilege of crafting a poignant sculpture for the 32nd Bienal de Arte, shedding light on the endangerment of a specific fish species resulting from the neglect of major corporations like Brazil’s Vale and the Anglo-Australian company BHP.
We adopted an innovative approach to infuse this sculpture with a profound visual impact and effectively convey its message. The fish’s skin was meticulously fashioned from recycled glass waste, ingeniously addressing the accumulation of bottles in the community’s botecos (small shops selling drinks) that garbage collectors often overlook. Ermelino’s organisation ingeniously repurposed this waste, transforming it into an artful creation.
The active involvement of the local children not only contributed a unique touch to the sculpture but also symbolised a collective commitment to environmental awareness and responsibility. This collaborative effort draws attention to the ecological repercussions of corporate neglect and the urgent need to safeguard endangered species.
The sculpture stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in bringing crucial issues to the forefront and inspiring positive change. It serves as a moving reminder of individual and corporate actions’ impact on our environment, emphasising the necessity of fostering a sustainable and conscientious mindset.
As dedicated artists, we steadfastly utilise our creativity and platform to advocate for preserving our natural world. This sculpture stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment and belief in the ability of art to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and initiate meaningful dialogues for societal transformation.
Artecture 