“Dead Child” and “Retirantes”: reflecting on environmental issues in the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil

• Main Author: Maurecir Guimarães Moraes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Essentia Editora IFFluminense 2012-05-01
• Series: Vértices
• Subjects: Portinari. Drought. Art. Environmental education.
• Online Access: http://essentiaeditora.iff.edu.br/index.php/vertices/article/view/1459

<em>Based on Portinari’s paintings “Dead Child” and “Retirantes”, this paper presents some considerations on drought conditions in the Brazilian Northeast. The study discusses the idea that works of art often draw attention to issues that are not yet fully embedded in their own time, which demonstrates that their role is not purely illustrative. In the specific case of the works presented here, they allow for discussion on environmental impacts produced by natural phenomena and those produced by human action as an attempt to correct natural problems. Thus, art emerges as a powerful educational tool to raise environmental awareness.</em>