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PoliticsSão Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian Mural Sends Environmental Message to U.S. Agriculture Giant

A massive 15,000-square-foot mural in São Paulo champions Indigenous rights and urges action against deforestation.

By Seth Kugel and Victor MoriyamaSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Brazilian Mural Sends Environmental Message to U.S. Agriculture Giant
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Artist Mundano collaborates with Stand.Earth to raise awareness about deforestation linked to Cargill.

A striking 15,000-square-foot mural depicting Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap has transformed a prominent building in downtown São Paulo, Brazil. Painted by renowned Brazilian street artist Mundano, the mural seeks to convey a vital message to the U.S. agricultural giant Cargill as part of a broader campaign managed by the conservation nonprofit Stand.Earth. The mural features Korap amid a devastated Amazonian landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for Cargill to dissociate its supply chain from crops cultivated on deforested land.Two weeks prior to the mural's unveiling, Mundano meticulously prepared, mixing water, varnish, and ash gathered from destructive forest fires. Perched on a rooftop 11 stories high, he worked with a team to enhance the site's visibility to the bustling traffic below, including commuters on major thoroughfares.Reflecting on his work, Mundano stated, “I’m already tired and we haven’t started yet,” highlighting the enormity of the task ahead. The final masterpiece was revealed Wednesday, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges faced both in Brazil and by corporations like Cargill. The initiative vividly underscores the intersection of art and activism, pushing for accountability in practices affecting vulnerable ecosystems.

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