Around the world, rising temperatures and imbalances in ecosystems due to the climate crisis have led to an increasing number of forest fires every year. Brazil, for example, has had more than 180,000 hotspots this year since mid-September. most since 2010. While deforestation reduces rainfall, a catastrophic cycle of drought and forest fires has only intensified.
For Eduardo Kobrathe unprecedented number of uncontrolled fires led to a new series of artworks that drew attention to this disturbing reality. As fires affected both rural and urban areas, including the city of Araçariguama – just over 30 miles from São Paulo – the artist chose a local area scorched by flames to document a collection of temporary interventions.
Kobra draws attention to the wildlife and habitats being destroyed, portraying birds, monkeys, anteaters and other creatures surrounded by burned forest. In one piece, a firefighter helps a baby jaguar, and in another – a sign of hope – a child waters a sprouting plant.
Kobra is known for his large-scale murals on buildings around the world, which highlight vibrant portraits and nod to pop culture through characteristically bright, geometric patterns. Using biodegradable materials, his new series of cut-out panels uses a relatively smaller scale to tackle a hugely critical problem.
See more on his website And Instagram.
