SCULPTURE - VANISHING NAMES

Artist: Fernanda Froes

Represented by : Bref Design Art
Materials: Brazilwood (pau-brasil) 
Dimensions: cm : 300 x 109 
Presentation : Vanishing Names is a textile piece that uses brazilwood dye (pau-brasil) to present over 70 names of the Brazilwood tree printed on cotton fabric. As the names appear overlapped, they gradually fade until almost invisible. Simultaneously, an audio track plays, featuring multiple voices narrating the names, which slowly transform into a nearly inaudible whisper as the names are recited. This piece reflects the disappearance of the Brazilwood species and the erasure of its cultural identity. After more than 300 years of exploitation due to the tree's vibrant red dye and the ongoing lack of political control and incentives for preservation, the Brazilwood is now an endangered species. Through the fading names and diminishing voices, Vanishing Names calls attention to the critical need for awareness and action to preserve both the species and its cultural legacy.