Artist of the Week Guto Oliveira,Moments Collective Premium Member
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
Guto Oliveira, a talented photographer and storyteller from Brazil, is on a remarkable mission to bring attention to the frequently neglected Pampa biome and its residents. With his extensive project, HUACHU, he aims to delve into, understand, and shed light on the difficulties encountered by one of Brazil's tiniest and most deteriorated biomes.
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
Derived from the Quechua term meaning "flat land," the Pampa depicts expansive, grassy plains dotted with gentle hills and scattered stony mountains. Boasting an extraordinary diversity of flora, with 57 different species per square meter, the Pampa houses one of the world's largest aquifers, the Guarani aquifer. However, a mere 2.8% of its territory is protected, leaving the biome susceptible to significant environmental threats. The advancement of extensive agriculture, forestry, exotic pasture, and mining has resulted in the suppression of its native vegetation, catalyzing substantial environmental changes.
''I LOVE AND CARE ''ADOPTING ONE OF THE DOGS OF THE OLD FALIRO MUNICIPALITY
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
The Pampa is home to the Gauchos, who have been shaped by and perfectly adapted to this unique environment. Once perceived as rugged wanderers, these Gauchos have developed a rich culture that combines elements of indigenous and Iberian heritage. The tranquil and poetic beauty of the Pampa's landscape stands in stark contrast to the tough, labor-intensive routines and hardships that the Gauchos face on a daily basis while tending to their ranches. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable social shift occurring as the younger generation shows less interest in embracing this traditional way of life, which poses a significant risk to the preservation of their cultural heritage and accumulated wisdom.
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
For the last three years, Oliveira has committed himself to recording the Pampa and its inhabitants. Through his camera lens, he captures the social and environmental transformations taking place in this region, with the intention of reviving his ancestral bond with his homeland. His powerful visual storytelling not only highlights the breathtaking landscapes of the Pampa, but also sheds light on the challenges faced by its people.
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
Enter at Moments Collective International Photography Competition 2024
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
With full dedication to this project, his objective is to shed light on the pressing concerns of environmental decline and cultural change. He aspires to encourage global recognition and safeguarding of the abundant and often neglected biome, along with the heritage of its residents. Guto Oliveira's ongoing exploration and documentation serve as a powerful reminder of the intricate balance between preserving the environment and protecting the cultural legacy of a place that is often overshadowed in Brazil's diverse landscape.
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
Meet Our Partner Vault Theatre Plus
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
As Guto says: ''This body of work is part of a long-term project that I am developing in southern Brazil. It is called HUACHU and it’s a visual essay that aims to explore and raise awareness about a small and often overlooked biome in Brazil, known as the Pampa, and its people.The Pampa is characterized by its flat grassy landscape, rolling hills, and scattered rocky mountains. It is home to an incredible variety of plants, with 57 different species per square meter, and it also contains a significant part of the Guarani aquifer, one of the largest in the world. Unfortunately, only 2.8% of Pampa's land is protected, and its native vegetation is being replaced by extensive farming, forestry, exotic pastures, and mining, causing significant environmental changes.
The Gauchos, who have a unique culture influenced by both indigenous and Iberian roots, have been shaped by the Pampa. They experience the contrast between the peacefulness and beauty of the landscape and the challenges and hardships of their daily work on ranches. However, there is a social transformation happening as younger generations are becoming less interested in this way of life, leading to a potential loss of cultural knowledge.
For the past two years, I have been documenting Pampa and its people, focusing on the changes happening in the environment and society. Through my work, I aim to reconnect with the land that my ancestors called home and raise awareness about the need to protect and preserve this unique biome''.
Guto Oliveira Moments Collective Premium Member
More Information About the Artist:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutophoto/
Meet our Grand Sponsor Fujifilm Hellas https://www.fujifilm.gr/
The Moments Collective Team @2023 International Art Press
