Mundano, a Brazilian artist, unveiled a massive mural in Sao Paulo using ash and mud to address climate change’s impacts, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. The mural features Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap and urges accountability from Cargill, a major soybean producer, for its deforestation contributions. Mundano highlights the interconnectedness of environmental crises, reflecting on recent floods and droughts devastating Brazil.
In a profound artistic statement against climate change, Brazilian artist Mundano unveiled an expansive street mural in Sao Paulo crafted with ash from wildfires and mud from recent floods. This mural, stretching 30 meters high and 48 meters wide, poignantly depicts the pressing environmental crises, particularly the deforestation and severe drought affecting the Amazon rainforest. At the heart of the mural stands Indigenous activist Alessandra Korap, adorned with a floral crown, holding a placard inscribed with the words, “Stop the destruction keepyourpromise,” which specifically addresses the Minnesota-based agribusiness, Cargill, known for its role in these ecological devastations due to soybean farming. Mundano aims to hold Cargill accountable for its 2025 commitment to eliminate deforestation from its supply chain in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In his remarks, he expressed collective frustration regarding resource exploitation in Brazil, stating, “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 artist’s work draws from recent environmental disasters, notably the uncontrolled wildfires and critical drought that have plagued various biomes in Brazil, including the Amazon and the Pantanal. This drought has reached alarming levels, evidenced by record-low water levels in the Amazon’s Negro River. The dire conditions have exacerbated suffering among local populations, with previous flooding in Rio Grande do Sul resulting in significant casualties and widespread displacement. Mundano’s decision to incorporate mud collected from flood zones, in collaboration with the Movement of People Affected by Dams, alongside Earth and ash sourced from both the Amazon and urban Sao Paulo, signifies an interconnected narrative from floods to droughts, emphasizing that all aspects of climate chaos are inherently linked. The artist reflects this continuity by stating, “From floods to droughts, everything is connected!” This mural marks Mundano’s largest endeavor to date and follows a previous mural created three years prior, which similarly spotlighted the destructive impacts of deforestation and fire with an impactful illustration of a firefighter amidst devastation.
The surge in climate-related disasters in Brazil—including rampant wildfires, flooding, and drought—has been linked to climate change, predominantly driven by fossil fuel consumption. As a nation rich in biodiversity and natural resources, Brazil faces significant environmental challenges, many of which stem from agricultural practices, particularly soybean farming, which is a major contributor to deforestation in the Amazon. This issue has garnered international attention, prompting calls for accountability from corporations like Cargill, which have publicly pledged to combat deforestation. In response, artists such as Mundano utilize their platforms to advocate for environmental justice and raise awareness of the crucial relationship between human activity and climate change.
Mundano’s mural serves as both an artistic expression and a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Brazil. By utilizing materials directly impacted by climate disasters, the artist effectively illustrates the urgent need for systemic changes in corporate practices and public accountability. His work not only raises awareness of the ecological crises but also amplifies the voices of Indigenous activists affected by these challenges. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and ecosystems, the role of art in advocacy becomes increasingly vital in fostering awareness and inspiring action against climate destruction.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
