Embracing Nature

Inspired by contemporary artworks centered on nature, especially trees, the schoolchildren discovered the power of art to observe, think, and communicate ideas about nature. In the natural areas near the school, they gathered leaves and identified their species, distinguishing native trees from others like eucalyptus, known for its rapid growth and thus popular choice for various purposes like landscaping, reforestation, and timber production. Afterwards, they made their own recycled paper and used it to write thank-you messages and commitments—“We need you!”, “Thank you”, “We’ll protect you”, and so on—to hang on native trees as symbols of their respect and engagement. Finally, they made a group mural where the work “Kontuz!” (Caution!) could be read in eucalyptus leaves. The drip painting technique used to paint the leaves had a dramatic effect, stressing the concerns regarding the expansion of this species.

The project also drew attention to water pollution and the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The students learned that huge amounts of water are required to make clothes and that textile waste is a major issue in rivers and seas. To denounce this kind of invisible pollution, they made a stop-motion animate film where the characters drank water from a river and coughed up plastic and fabric—a creative and critical way of making the problem more visible.