The Portuguese artist, well known for her use of varying fiber art techniques to create works of woven sculptural art that draw attention to the need to save our oceans, did not start her journey on this path. 

While she began her academic career set on going into the fashion industry, she quickly realized that the trade is one of the biggest polluters in the world and altered course.  Now, using upcycled materials and waste from the textile industry, she aims to bring awareness to problems of imbalance in our world.

The works have expanded from the coral reef scenes she began with, and now encompass many textures and environments – you can feel deeply connected with the details of nature she recreates; be it underwater, in the forest, a field of flowers, the lunar landscape, or beyond.  Using the most eco-friendly materials and processes available, Vanessa creates to call attention to the importance of our universe, our planet, our home.

*All images copyright Vanessa Barragão