“Regenerating Amazonia” is inspired by an academic article* by Brazilian scientist Ricardo Spaniol. The study shows that butterflies and moths gradually became less colorful in the devastated areas of the Amazon Forest. Fires and human deforestation are clear causes of environmental change in the Amazon. The report demonstrates that adequate policies and investments in the regeneration of the Amazon Forest can revert the phenomena and recover the insects’ colors.

 

In this installation, the butterfly species Prepona narcissus, one of the endangered species of the Amazon, was pictured with gradually diminishing colors in the main piece. Along three exhibitions, the artist invited the public to participate by interacting with color-pencil on black and white postcards, bringing back the colors to the outlined butterflies. These colored postcards were displayed on a panel next to the main piece. The work's goal was to bring attention to the current state of the Amazon rainforest and call for action.

 

The work was part of an independent art exhibition, “Do Write Write to Me” from Uncool Artist Group. It was shown in New York - Chelsea (October 2021), Miami - Design District (December 2021), and in São Paulo - Brooklin in April 2022.

 

*Spaniol, R.L., Mendonça, M.d.S., Hartz, S.M. et al. Discolouring the Amazon Rainforest: how deforestation is affecting butterfly coloration. Biodiversity and Conservation 29, 2821–2838 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-020-01999-3.