Many of us spend summers on the beach, creating sand castles with our families as children. But did you know that it could also be a career? For sculptor Janel Hawkins, it's been a fulfilling way to stay creative and spread joy while teaching skills to others. As the founder of Alabama-based Sand Castle University, she teaches willing students on the Gulf Coast everything they need to know to create stunning sand sculptures. And at the same time, she spends her days on the beach making custom sand art.

Whether creating pieces of architecture or animals, Hawkins loves getting lost in the small details. As she painstakingly carves and presses the wet sand, she also needs to remain on her toes. Anything can happen in her open-air art studio, whether it's bad weather or creative difficulties. But these variables are also what she loves about creating these ephemeral sculptures and is part of the reason she enjoys sharing her knowledge.

“There are practical life lessons to sand sculpting,” she tells My Modern Met. “You have to learn the basics, then practice, practice, practice. Don't be afraid of failure. If you make mistakes, it means you're trying hard!”

Hawkins began her journey as a sand sculptor while still in college after seeing a job listing on Craigslist. After acquiring the necessary skills, she pursued her passion by opening Sand Castle University in 2017. With a team of five instructors and an administrative assistant, her business is expanding.

At the same time, she's also continuing to grow her own skills. Last year, she took on a dragon sculpture for the first time when she sculpted Mushu, the lovable dragon from Disney's Mulan. Getting the details of the scales and pointy teeth took a lot of time and patience, but was worth it in the end.

“Everything came together—the sand was perfect, the weather was perfect—and when I stood back after finishing, I knew it was something to be proud of!”

Whether creating personal projects or working on commissions for festivals, birthdays, proposals, or corporate events, she's always looking forward to the day's challenge. As she continues her successful career, she hopes to show that sand sculpting can be a viable career and a fun, creative activity for anyone looking to step away from the screen and spend some time at the beach.

Follow Sand Castle University on TikTok or Instagram to keep up with the progress and watch these sand sculptures come to life.

Janel Hawkins is a professional sand sculptor and the founder of Sand Castle University.

Her intricate sand art takes dedication and patience.

@sand_castle_university Downtown #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture #process #sandart #satisfying #sculpture #beach #sandasmr #asmr ♬ Crimson And Clover – The Shacks

@sand_castle_university Fiddles the Crab #process #sculpture #sandsculpture #sandtok #sand #sandcastle #oddlysatisfying #satisfying ♬ Brazil – Declan McKenna

@sand_castle_university Cubed in Cocoa beach #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture #asmr #sandart #satisfying #oddlysatisfying #sculpting ♬ Strangers – Kenya Grace

In addition to her personal work, she takes commissions and teaches sand castle classes to students of all ages.

“Sand sculpting is a true art form and can be a viable full-time career.”

Sand Castle University: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sand Castle University.

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READ: Artist Raises the (Sand) Bar With Her Creative Beach Sculptures

Art duo Gillie and Marc have transformed the exterior of the World Trade Center Oculus with an enormous bronze sculpture of an octopus. Spanning 36 feet, it's one of the largest octopus sculptures in the world and speaks to Gillie and Marc's wildlife advocacy.

The interactive artwork, titled The Arms of Friendship, features some of the world's most endangered species curled up in or sitting on the octopus's giant tentacles. Visitors are invited to get up close and personal with the 7-tonne sculpture and sit on its tentacles to get a different perspective on the animal.

It's one of three sculptures included in the Wildlife Wonders exhibit. Other pieces include The Wild Table of Love, a banquet of animals hosted by the artists' signature characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman. Thanks to open spaces left at the table, anyone can join the party. The final sculpture, The Hippo Was Hungry To Try New Things With Rabbitwoman, shows a hippo conversing with Rabbitwoman. The hippo, an often misunderstood animal, airs out its complaints over a cup of coffee at a table where, once again, open seats allow the viewers to participate.

“We created Rabbitwoman and Dogman as human-wildlife hybrids, bridging the human and wild worlds. They have become our alter egos and protectors of wildlife,” Marc shares. “They journey around the globe spreading inspiration to love and safeguard our planet and its wildlife. We delight in seeing people interact with them and having fun while learning about wildlife conservation.”

Through their art and its storytelling capabilities, Gillie and Marc hope to spark dialogue about animal conservation and spur action to help save endangered species. In doing so, their whimsical sculptures bring joy and affect change.

“In the last 50 years, wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% globally. We are now facing the world’s sixth mass extinction,” Gillie states. “This crisis is beyond description, yet we remain hopeful and committed to witnessing change within our lifetimes. We trust that our art and the stories we tell can inspire people to engage in vital conversations and take meaningful action.”

This free public exhibition is located outside the Oculus World Trade Center on the South Oculus Plaza until July 31, 2025.

Art duo Gillie and Marc have opened a free public exhibition outside the Oculus World Trade Center.

The show's centerpiece is a 36-foot bronze sculpture of an octopus with endangered animals clinging to its tentacles.

The interactive public art is meant to spark discussion about wildlife conservation.

And at the same time, the whimsical visuals inspire joy.

Gillie and Marc: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Gillie and Marc.

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. For Brazilian sculptor Michel Torres Costa, discarded metal scraps–particularly smaller parts like nuts and bolts—are sources of inspiration and serve as unexpected materials for his art. Using pieces that were otherwise headed to a landfill, he creates formidable metal sculptures that evoke strength and resourcefulness.

Torres Costa's artistic journey began when he was only 15 years old and working as a welder. Since he had always been a fan of art, he found that sculpting could provide him with a creative outlet to the monotony of his job. This led him to discovering epoxy resin, a medium that allowed him to refine traditional techniques, and prompted him to take modeling and molding courses.

After five years, he went back to where it all started—his brother-in-law's mechanic's shop. This time, he picked apart motorcycle crowns, chains and ratchets. And so, his first metal sculpture, a horse, was born. “Since then, all the metals used in the works have been found in scrapyards and mechanical workshops,” Torres Costa's artist statement explains.

Speaking about his choice of material, the artist told EuroNews, “I always look for something that refers to a face, an eye, a mouth, a nose. I like pieces that make the work more organic, which are the smaller pieces, such as nuts and bolts, washers.” But to him, there's room for every kind of scrap in art. “Everything that a person thinks is garbage can be transformed into something with meaning and transformed into art, with beauty, giving a new face to a material that would never be used again, or would be rolling around, polluting our world.”

Torres Costa's sculptures encapsulate human and animal figures, as well as mythological themes, imbuing each piece with a steampunk aesthetic. His use of metal pieces make them look less like scrap and more like tiny dark tiles that have come together in one sweeping composition. There's no denying that the artist has breathed new life into the discarded materials.

While his work can be found in galleries and private collections, they could also easily be dark pieces of home decor. His work can even seamlessly be integrated in sci-fi films or perhaps a villain's upscale lair. The possibilities are endless for these creations which would have otherwise wound up in a garbage heap.

To stay up to date with the resourceful sculptor's creations, you can follow Torress Costa on Instagram.

Artist Michel Torres Costa uses scrap metal that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill to create formidable metal sculptures.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

Torres Costa's sculptures encapsulate human and animal figures, as well as mythological themes, imbuing each piece with a steampunk aesthetic.

@micheltorrescosta Metal arte, um pouco das minhas esculturas. #art #metal #weld #soldador #artist #metalart #metalsculpture #artgallery #gallery #escultura #sculpture ♬ Valence Satisfaction Showmusik Dance Remix – Showmusik

His use of metal pieces make them look less like scrap and more like tiny dark tiles that have come together in one sweeping composition.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

While his work can be found in galleries and private collections, they could also serve as decor in stylized films—whether it be part of a sci-fi movie set or a supervillain's upscale lair.

@micheltorrescosta Um pouco das artes que rolaram aqui esses últimos meses. #art #sculpture #metalsculpture #artista #metalart #welder #artist #sculptureart #arte #soldador #artwork #micheltorrescosta #metalarte #escultura ♬ Turn Down for What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon

“I always look for something that refers to a face, an eye, a mouth, a nose. I like pieces that make the work more organic, which are the smaller pieces, such as nuts and bolts, washers.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

“Everything that a person thinks is garbage can be transformed into something with meaning and transformed into art.”

@micheltorrescosta Saindo um tigre ! #artist #art #sculpture #arte #metalarte #micheltorrescosta #artista #escultura #metalart #escultura #tigre #tiger ♬ Panther – Emmett Zetto & Talentless

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

@micheltorrescosta E ele vai ganhando vida! #escultura #art #artwork #sculpture #arte #artist #metalarte #esculturademetal #welder #artista ♬ original sound – Joe_Cramer

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

Michel Torres Costa: Website | Instagram | TikTok

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Nearly one year after Fernando Botero's death, his sculptures are visible in Italy. His daughter Lina organized an open-air exhibition, which sees eight of the Colombian artist's sculptures placed in some of Rome's most picturesque public squares. Known for his unique style that plays with volume, his voluptuous sculptures remain on view until October.

Botero a Roma only solidifies the relationship between the artist and Italy, whose relatives emigrated to Colombia at the end of the 18th century. The artist himself first visited Italy in the 1950s after winning an art competition and, in the 1980s, established a workshop in Tuscany, where he spent several months a year.

“Rome, the Eternal City: I can't think of anything that would make my father—Fernando Botero—happier than to see his monumental sculpture on display in the heart of this extraordinary city, the capital of the country he loved and that influenced his work,” stated Lina during the opening of the exhibition.

“For all intents and purposes, Italy was his second home, not only for his admiration for its art but also for the love he felt for a place he considered his homeland.”

The sculptures on show range from his curvaceous depictions of women to monumental animals with soft, round edges. Visible until October 1, they will be complemented by an exhibition of his paintings set to open in Rome on September 17. Also curated by Lina, the retrospective will feature his paintings, watercolors, and several sculptures.

Eight sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero are on display in some of Rome's most picturesque public squares.

 

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Curated by the artist's daughter, the exhibition highlights Botero's deep connection with Italy.

 

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READ: Fernando Botero’s Voluptuous Sculptures Take Over Rome’s Historic Center

Photo: Flukes69 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Czech artist David Černý is known for his provocative sculptures—military vehicles, babies, men urinating—that often comment on political and social themes. In 2022, Černý created Lilith, a nearly 80-foot-tall, 35-ton figure of a woman made of metal. Based in Prague, she hugs the side of an apartment building, leaning towards the structure with her legs slightly placed apart. The statue isn’t stationary either—Lilith periodically turns her head 180 degrees.

Lilith is no ordinary figure: Černý’s statue represents the female biblical figure from Jewish mythology, Adam’s first wife who was banished from the Garden of Eden for her defiance. Lilith is often seen and depicted as a devil, but the artist intended to use her as a symbol of feminism and independence.

Lilith consists of four parts: the main sculpture on the side of the building, a leg extending from the bottom, a hand supporting from below in a similar fashion, and a hand clenching onto what appears to be a cylindrical facility building. Beyond her intended symbolism, the sculpture appears to comment on modern development or humanity’s involvement in technology due to its integration with the urban landscape.

Černý has received criticism from other artists like Pavel Karous, another Czech sculptor, who argues that the art piece doesn’t contribute to the architecture or urban planning of the area, nor does it respect the interests of the local residents. An art curator, Marie Foltýnová, claims that Černý’s understanding of Lilith as a symbol of feminism is wrong. She reasons that because Lilith is known as a demon and a witch responsible for the death of women and small children during childbirth, it stands against women, and thus cannot be a symbol of feminism. Černý’s portrayal could additionally be seen as potentially controversial in his choice to emphasize her nudity and stature.

Černý is famous for his other kinetic sculptures, such as the Head of Franz Kafka and METALmorphosis, both of which feature moving parts. Regardless of its meaning or message, Lilith is another remarkable example of how we can incorporate art into our urban landscapes.

Czech sculptor David Černý created Lilith, an massive metal sculpture in Prague.

 

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The 80-foot-tall sculpture of a mythological woman is seen embracing the side of an apartment building.

 

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A post shared by David Cerny (@cerny.david)

The statue uniquely turns her head 180 degrees, and various other metal body parts can be found interacting with the apartment complex.

 

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Černý is known for incorporating motifs like babies, tanks, heads, and other large-scale elements in his work, which can be found in and around Prague.

 

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David Černý: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Atlas Obscura]

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Those taking a stroll along Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, might be surprised to encounter a herd of 100 elephants on their path. But a closer look will reveal that each life-sized figure is actually a sculpture. The incredible traveling installation, titled The Great Elephant Migration, is organized by Elephant Family USA and Art&Newport and curated by Dodie Kazanjian.

The lifelike sculptures were handcrafted by the CoExistence Collective, an organization of 200 Indigenous artisans from the Bettakurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan, and Soliga communities. Many of these artisans live alongside Indian elephants in India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and the sculptures are based on real elephants in the area.

Each sculpture, standing up to 15 feet tall and weighing nearly 800 pounds, took around three to four months to complete. They’re crafted from the Lantana camara weed, which is native to around 40% of India’s protected areas. The makers first photographed the elephants and then created intricate drawings to study their form. Then, it was time to bring them to life.

“A steel rebar frame is then shaped to meet the exact size and contours of the elephant,” Elephant Family USA tells My Modern Met. “Lantana camara, the invasive weed that is taking over India’s protected areas, is collected, stripped, and treated, before being used to clad the frame.” The elephants' eyes were crafted from resin and meticulously hand-painted to replicate the exact colors of real elephants' eyes. Finally, the sculptures are coated with protective Osmo oil to ensure their preservation for many years to come.

The Great Elephant Migration exhibition not only celebrates the beauty of the majestic animals, but it also aims to promote habitat conservation and human-wildlife coexistence. “This way of looking at the world is rooted in mutual respect and reciprocity,” says Elephant Family USA. “There's a reverence for nature and all its inhabitants, and a belief that the earth will look after us if we are respectful towards the earth and all of its inhabitants.”

The elephant herd is currently on the first leg of its 3,500-mile journey across the U.S. In September, they will migrate to New York City, followed by stops in Miami Beach, Browning in Montana, and Los Angeles.

Check out the incredible installation below and find out more about The Great Elephant Migration project on the Elephant Family USA website.

100 life-sized elephant sculptures can currently be found along Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island.

The incredible traveling installation, titled The Great Elephant Migration, is organized by Elephant Family USA and Art&Newport and curated by Dodie Kazanjian.

Each elephant was handcrafted by the CoExistence Collective, an organization of 200 Indigenous artisans.

The sculptures are inspired by real elephants that inhabit the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where the artisans also reside.

Each elephant is crafted from Lantana camara weed, which is native to around 40% of India’s protected areas.

Elephant Family USA: Website | Facebook | Instagram
CoExistence Collective: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Art&Newport: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Art&Newport and Elephant Family.

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When most of us look at silverware, we think about the next meal we'll be eating, but not Matt Wilson. The South Carolina-based artist, also known as Airtight Artwork, bends and manipulates spoons, forks, and knives into works of art. While he sculpts various animals, some of absolute our favorites are his flocks of birds, which he mounts on gorgeous wood backgrounds.

Wilson is an expert at using the shapes and textures of the flatware to create the details of his birds. The ridges on a handle may become a wing's feathers, while the spoon's curve helps create their heads. And though Wilson enjoys using recognizable and relatable material, he also appreciates that the cutlery has become increasingly abstract as his sculptures have become more elaborate.

“I'm constantly thinking about how to render different body parts out of metal,” he tells My Modern Met. “Using curves and angles, but also negative space to create flow. I like for the viewer's eye to have to do a little work when observing my pieces.”

Wilson's choice of material stems from the readily available and sustainable nature of the utensils. By using scrap metal, he's breathing new life into something that might otherwise end up in the trash heap, elevating it to fine art.

“I really love when people don't realize it's utensils or cutlery right away, and they discover it for themselves,” he adds.

Scroll down to see more work from Wilson's June flock release, which is already sold out. If you want to take home a sculpture, you can sign up for his newsletter to receive notice of the next release.

South Carolina-based artist Matt Wilson creates incredible bird sculptures from utensils.

He expertly manipulates forks, knives, and spoons to create his metallic flocks.

“I really love when people don't realize it's utensils or cutlery right away, and they discover it for themselves.”

His sculptures usually sell out, so sign up for his newsletter on his website for more information about when the next flock will be released.

Matt Wilson: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Matt Wilson.

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Last year, artist Thomas Dambo spent 100 days traversing the United States and creating his signature troll sculptures along the way. The Danish artist has continued to expand his work in America and has just completed his most ambitious project ever with Alexa's Elixir. Located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the exhibition takes people on a journey to solve a riddle and find a Golden Rabbit.

Along the way, they'll encounter some of Dambo's friendly trolls, who remind us to embrace nature and spread joy. Over 300 volunteers helped Dambo execute his vision, which not only included five trolls, but also three portals, 800 birdhouses, and a special book that contains a recipe for Alexa's Elixir and a map to the Golden Rabbit.

Based on a folktale written by the artist, the project pushes for the public to interact with the artwork. “The concept is that you have to help the troll called Alexa brew an elixir to basically help set the humans free from a curse that an evil golden rabbit has thrown on the humans,” Dambo explained to a local news outlet MPR. “And then you do that by helping her collect the five ingredients that she is brewing in her big pot.”

As people partake in Dambo's adventure, they are also brought closer to nature. The artist's sculptures, which are made from discarded materials, are a reminder to take care of and protect our environment.

The sculptures of Alexa's Elixir can be found on Dambo's Troll Map, which tracks his troll installations. The only thing that isn't marked is the elusive Golden Rabbit. To find that, you'll have to participate in the hunt.

With the help of 300 volunteers, Danish artist Thomas Dambo has recently finished his most ambitious exhibition ever.

Alexa's Elixir consists of numerous sculptures, including 5 large trolls and 800 birdhouses.

The public is brought along on Dambo's folktale and asked to help one of the trolls brew a potion.

Once they collect all the ingredients, they need to find the hidden Golden Rabbit.

Dambo's sculptures are a wonderful way to connect with the natural world.

Thomas Dambo: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Thomas Dambo.

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If you’re in the U.S., you’re either just coming out of or in the middle of a heat wave. Our increasingly hot summers can be devastating for our health, but at least we’re not made of wax. This past week, a Washington, D.C. sculpture of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, became another casualty of global warming.

In fact, poor Abe has suffered quite a bit this past year. The 6-foot-tall sculpture created by artist and University of Richmond assistant professor Sandy Williams IV has had to be taken in for reconstruction twice now.

Williams did intend for the Lincoln sculpture to melt, but only a bit. In September 2023, with over a 100 candle wicks in it, the artwork was prematurely lit by community members. The wicks were meant to be used, but only for a minute or two, and not every single one at once. Without any signage explaining the fact, passersby saw the sculpture, lit the wicks, and left without snuffing the flames out. This all happened before its official unveiling.

The sculpture was reinstalled this past February with only 10 wicks and signs making it clear to only to let flames burn briefly. The Lincoln sculpture was 3,000 pounds with a congealing point of 144°F, so it was expected to be safe for the immediate future. However, Washington, D.C.’s heat last weekend was too much for the Great Emancipator. First his head started leaning back, and social media users joked that maybe Honest Abe was having trouble coping with the current state of American politics. Then, one of his legs turned into a blob.

“I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where the ambient heat melts these sculptures, that’s when this work becomes an environmental artwork,” Williams admits. “I didn’t know that was going to be this summer.”

While the piece forebodingly became a commentary on climate change earlier than expected, the statue was always meant to be political. It was installed outside of Garrison Elementary School as part of Williams’ Wax Monument Series. Entitled 40 Acres: Camp Barker the piece commemorates the spot of a Civil War era refugee camp for formerly enslaved African Americans. Williams wanted to bring attention to the history of formerly enslaved folks during and after the Civil War, as the historical canon tends to skip this essential information.

In a phone call with Intelligencer‘s Matt Stieb, Williams stated, “I have no qualms with wherever people take it. I think that is what public artwork is about. That’s what I think [I] love most about public art. The thing that makes me most uncomfortable and the thing I love the most is that I never know what’s going to happen and it’s totally outside of my control.” It seems as though they can appreciate the memes that melting Abe has inspired.

The wax monument should be back on display, good as new, this week. However, they might want to invest in getting him an air conditioner.

Artist Sandy Williams IV created a wax statue of President Abraham Lincoln, which was installed outside of Garrison Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

 

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Unfortunately, the 6-foot-tall sculpture began to rapidly melt during a heatwave.

A heat wave hit the DMV area over the weekend, and one of the country's leaders paid the price. A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln began to melt from the temperatures and lost its head: https://t.co/DycXdkPgSM pic.twitter.com/d6LqeaRMOI

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) June 25, 2024

Though it was created with the intention of melting, the rising temperatures in D.C. expedited expectations.

another look at the wax lincoln sculpture in dc that melted during the heat wave pic.twitter.com/Wq3v0GCvUD

— Spencer Allan Brooks (@SpencerSays) June 24, 2024

Needless to say, the “headless Lincoln” melting statue made national headlines…

…and gained some funny reactions.

This is a shame. No one can hold a candle to him.

— Ross Duckham (@RossDuckham) June 25, 2024

How your email finds me⬇️ https://t.co/RbG146Nb7W pic.twitter.com/jBvjn8M8FU

— Zack Brown (@ZackBrownDC) June 23, 2024

Even our monuments are exhausted by our politics.

— Grover One (@groversmith1) June 23, 2024

This perfectly sums up how things are going.

— StandUnited1776(Matthew) (@StandUnited76) June 25, 2024

pretty decent symbol of America at only 1.2°C of global heating https://t.co/3hASCMxSJ2

— Dr. Genevieve Guenther (@DoctorVive) June 24, 2024

Sandy Williams IV: Website | Instagram
h/t: [BBC News]

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READ: Abraham Lincoln Wax Statue Melts From Extreme Heat in Washington, D.C.

Textile artist Vanessa Barragão continues to use her craft to showcase the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. The Portuguese artist, along with a small team of assistants, uses textile scraps that would otherwise be discarded to create her elaborate wall hangings. Reminiscent of coral reefs, they represent the complexities of life underwater.

While her studio was founded a decade ago, Barragão continues to stretch her creativity. Over the past year, she's increased her emphasis on environmental advocacy and sustainability, but that's not all.

“I've also been experimenting with new techniques and textures in my art process, like 3D artworks, aiming to enrich the sensory experience of my pieces,” Barragão tells My Modern Met. “This evolution reflects my dedication to using art as a medium for change and education.”

Part of this evolution also includes travel to the places that inspire her artwork. One such trip, which Barragão describes as “transformative,” saw her visit Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands. Known for its coral reefs rich with marine life, the archipelago had a profound impact on her creative output.

“Witnessing the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life firsthand reinforced my commitment to marine conservation,” she shares. “The textures and patterns I observed during my visit have directly influenced the designs in my collections, aiming to capture the essence of these underwater worlds.”

Barragão's push to use her art to bring awareness to the environment appears to be paying off. Recently, Portugal donated one of her large tapestry's to the United Nations as a way to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“My goal is to highlight the impact of human actions on these delicate environments and to encourage a collective effort towards their preservation. Ultimately, I want my art to catalyze environmental consciousness, motivating others to engage in conservation efforts and to help protect our planet for future generations.”

Artist Vanessa Barragão uses textile scraps to create elaborate tapestries that highlight the beauty of marine ecosystems.

For the past decade, the Portuguese textile artist has pushed herself creatively in order to use her art as a vehicle for change.

A recent trip to the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia, which is known for its coral reefs, was a transformative experience that influenced her greatly.

One of her large scale tapestries was even donated to the United Nations by Portugal as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“My goal is to highlight the impact of human actions on these delicate environments and to encourage a collective effort towards their preservation.”

“Ultimately, I want my art to catalyze environmental consciousness, motivating others to engage in conservation efforts and to help protect our planet for future generations.”

Vanessa Barragão: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vanessa Barragão.

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READ: Artistic Tapestries Highlight the Fragile Beauty of Marine Ecosystems