emirates7 - Brazilian artist Ana Elisa Murta presents her exhibition Mineral Garden in Abu Dhabi, offering a unique perspective on art and sustainability. By repurposing mining waste into natural pigments, Murta transforms discarded materials into non-toxic paints, which she uses to craft vibrant visual artworks. The exhibition runs at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi from December 19, 2024, to February 16, 2025.
Exploring the connection between landscapes, Murta draws parallels between the mountainous terrain of Minas Gerais, a Brazilian state known for its extensive mining activities, and the dynamic dunes of the UAE. Her work highlights the interplay of contrasts, such as the permanence of rocks and the fleeting nature of sand, creating a symbolic narrative of stability, transformation, and the coexistence of natural forces.
From Waste to Art: The Birth of Pigments
The inspiration to pigments from mining waste stemmed from Murta’s personal experience. After developing a severe allergy to conventional paints containing harmful chemicals, she turned to her surroundings for a solution. “I realized the pigments I needed were all around me, embedded in the rocks and soil of Minas Gerais,” she told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Minas Gerais produces vast amounts of mineral waste due to its mining operations. Recognizing the artistic potential in this discarded material, Murta began collecting small samples from mines near Belo Horizonte. Through processes of crushing, sieving, washing, and purifying, she refined these materials into a fine powder. When mixed with oils, the powder produced paints akin to those used by Renaissance artists.
“The mountains of Minas carry a profound sense of geological time, rich in history. In contrast, the ever-changing dunes of the UAE symbolize impermanence. By merging these elements, I aim to a dialogue about permanence and transience, the raw and the delicate,” Murta explained.
A Palette of Earth and Gold
The color palette in Mineral Garden reflects this fusion of landscapes. Earthy tones derived from Minas Gerais mining residues blend with golden hues inspired by the UAE’s sands. This combination produces a spectrum of vibrant and luminous colors, redefining discarded materials as precious artistic resources.
Murta shared the challenges of developing high-quality natural pigments. “It involved careful selection, purification, and paint formulation. But this process also carries a deep symbolic meaning—transforming waste into something beautiful and meaningful.”
A Dialogue Through Art
The exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the connection between materials, nature, and waste. “We aim to inspire a more thoughtful and sensitive understanding of the stories materials tell. Each pigment holds a memory of time and humanity’s relationship with the natural world,” Murta said.
By showcasing this work in the UAE, Mineral Garden fosters dialogue between Brazil and the Emirates. Despite their geographic distance, both regions face similar challenges in resource extraction and sustainability. Murta envisions this exchange paving the way for future collaborations and cultural interactions.
“We want people to see beauty in imperfection—in traces and remnants. Art has the power to transform not just materials but also perceptions and sensitivities,” she concluded.
Through Mineral Garden, Ana Elisa Murta creates a space where nature, cultures, and time converge, demonstrating how transformation can reveal beauty in what was once overlooked.
Exploring the connection between landscapes, Murta draws parallels between the mountainous terrain of Minas Gerais, a Brazilian state known for its extensive mining activities, and the dynamic dunes of the UAE. Her work highlights the interplay of contrasts, such as the permanence of rocks and the fleeting nature of sand, creating a symbolic narrative of stability, transformation, and the coexistence of natural forces.
From Waste to Art: The Birth of Pigments
The inspiration to pigments from mining waste stemmed from Murta’s personal experience. After developing a severe allergy to conventional paints containing harmful chemicals, she turned to her surroundings for a solution. “I realized the pigments I needed were all around me, embedded in the rocks and soil of Minas Gerais,” she told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Minas Gerais produces vast amounts of mineral waste due to its mining operations. Recognizing the artistic potential in this discarded material, Murta began collecting small samples from mines near Belo Horizonte. Through processes of crushing, sieving, washing, and purifying, she refined these materials into a fine powder. When mixed with oils, the powder produced paints akin to those used by Renaissance artists.
“The mountains of Minas carry a profound sense of geological time, rich in history. In contrast, the ever-changing dunes of the UAE symbolize impermanence. By merging these elements, I aim to a dialogue about permanence and transience, the raw and the delicate,” Murta explained.
A Palette of Earth and Gold
The color palette in Mineral Garden reflects this fusion of landscapes. Earthy tones derived from Minas Gerais mining residues blend with golden hues inspired by the UAE’s sands. This combination produces a spectrum of vibrant and luminous colors, redefining discarded materials as precious artistic resources.
Murta shared the challenges of developing high-quality natural pigments. “It involved careful selection, purification, and paint formulation. But this process also carries a deep symbolic meaning—transforming waste into something beautiful and meaningful.”
A Dialogue Through Art
The exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the connection between materials, nature, and waste. “We aim to inspire a more thoughtful and sensitive understanding of the stories materials tell. Each pigment holds a memory of time and humanity’s relationship with the natural world,” Murta said.
By showcasing this work in the UAE, Mineral Garden fosters dialogue between Brazil and the Emirates. Despite their geographic distance, both regions face similar challenges in resource extraction and sustainability. Murta envisions this exchange paving the way for future collaborations and cultural interactions.
“We want people to see beauty in imperfection—in traces and remnants. Art has the power to transform not just materials but also perceptions and sensitivities,” she concluded.
Through Mineral Garden, Ana Elisa Murta creates a space where nature, cultures, and time converge, demonstrating how transformation can reveal beauty in what was once overlooked.