Amazon Deforestation

Victor Moriyama, Brazil

Amazon Deforestation, 2019

Victor Moriyama, a Brazilian photojournalist, focuses his work on South America and the Amazon rainforest. Moriyama documents social and environmental violence in regards to agrarian conflicts, deforestation and conservation of rainforests, genocide of indigenous individuals, and climate change. This photograph is part of Moriyama’s “Amazon Deforestation” project, which highlights how the Amazon rainforest is faring under the control of Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro. Fire in the Amazon rainforest is primarily caused by humans as a result of ranching and logging, which can be defined as ecocide. This image is an aerial photograph, displaying how the scorched forest encroaches on the lush jungle landscape. The Amazon rainforest has an important role in regulating climate change and is home to diverse wildlife as well as thousands of indigenous people, which are all being disregarded and destroyed by fire for profit. Label by Elsa Rall

The Forest Brigade

Thiago Mundano, Brazilian, born 1986

The Forest Brigade, 2021

Thiago Mundano is an art activist born in São Paulo, Brazil, and is recognized internationally for his “papo reto” graffiti, or “straight to the point” pieces. In October 2021, the graffiti artist finished his vast mural (measuring about 10,000 square feet) titled The Forest Brigade. The mural was created entirely out of ash from the burned Amazon rainforest. While traveling to collect the ash, Mundano also met with firefighters and fire volunteers to hear their stories. Mundano’s mural depicts a firefighter at its center, placing the voices and stories of those who risk their lives to fight fire at the very forefront. The burning forest in the background and depictions of continuous deforestation raises the issue of wildfires across Brazil as well as how other forms of environmental degradation can lead to this worldwide destruction. Additionally, the skeleton of an animal and the discarded megaphone recall the many lives and voices we have lost to the fire. Mundano hopes his larger-than-life mural can aid the effort in protecting both environmental and universal human rights. Label by Isabel Williams