Roraima artist receives national award for work dedicated to Davi Kopenawa: 'Value my region'
Roraima-based artist Alícia Bianca won a national award for her painting dedicated to indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa, emphasizing her roots and the Amazon region.
Alícia Bianca, a 19-year-old plastic artist from Roraima, Brazil, has achieved national recognition by winning a prestigious art award for her piece inspired by Davi Kopenawa, a prominent indigenous leader and shaman. Her painting, titled "A Ferida de Kopenawa," was one of 19 selected in the competition named "Art, Amazon, and its People: The Amazon is now! We are the Amazon!". As a result of her achievement, she will receive a cash prize of R$ 2,000. Alícia’s work stands out not only for its artistic value but also for the cultural statement it makes regarding the indigenous heritage and challenges faced by her community.
In her remarks, Alícia expressed her desire to represent her region, which she states is her main source of inspiration for her creations. At such a young age, she has also been inducted as the youngest immortal member of the Academy of Literature, Art, and Culture of the Amazon (Alaca) based in Manaus. This dual recognition positions Alícia as a significant voice in contemporary Amazonian art, showcasing the intersection of environmental and cultural themes through her work.
The contest, organized by the international human rights organization Article 19, sought to highlight artistic productions that address the critical issues facing the Amazon, including environmental impacts on the Yanomami territory. Alícia's painting is described as a profound visual manifesto on the Amazonian resistance, promoting awareness of the region's struggles while celebrating its rich cultural heritage.