Echoes of loss

When exploring the discourse on climate change, “Loss and Damage” resonates deeply, highlighting the profound impact of environmental changes and disasters on communities and ecosystems, particularly those most vulnerable. As the problem escalates, artists have emerged as influential voices capable of communicating the gravity of these losses through new perspectives and mediums.

The Loss & Damage Collaboration is an interdisciplinary group of artists, activists, and researchers dedicated to addressing climate change’s human and ecological costs through artistic expression. Going beyond conventional debates on mitigation and adaptation, their mission is to draw attention to the irreversible losses suffered by communities worldwide.

Through the transformative power of art, their Art and Culture Program raises awareness of the consequences of climate change. Thus, the Ways of Repair: Loss and Damage, a year-long artistic residency supporting three artists and curators, emerges. Each selected project offers an opportunity to explore ways to address losses and damages while expanding the understanding of intangible repercussions in areas such as culture, health, mental well-being, social cohesion, identity, and sense of place.

Art significantly contributes to the global dialogue on environmental issues as a medium of dissemination and awareness. These projects serve as visual and auditory testimonies of losses experienced by communities worldwide, urging society to confront the urgent need for joint climate action. Through art and culture, artists play a vital role in fostering awareness and understanding of the consequences and losses brought about by climate change. We must see, feel, and act in a rapidly changing world.

Gabriela de Matos. Candomblé Terreiros: Sacred Shields Against the Climate Crisis in Salvador

Embarking on the “Candomblé Terreiros” project, Gabriela de Matos explores how terreiros, sacred spaces in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, can tackle losses and damages caused by the climate crisis in Salvador, Brazil. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage, these places are believed to provide environmental benefits, particularly in marginalised communities. 

Gabriela de Matos is an architect, urbanist, researcher, teacher, and curator. Her background focuses on sustainability and built environment management. She co-chaired the Brazilian Institute of Architects, founded the project Arquitetas Negras, mapping the production of Black Brazilian architects, and edited the award-winning book Arquitetas Negras vol.1. She co-curated the Brazilian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale (2023). She won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation.