Mymodernmet_ Textile artist Vanessa Barragão continues to use her craft to showcase the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. The Portuguese artist, along with a small team of assistants, uses textile scraps that would otherwise be discarded to create her elaborate wall hangings. Reminiscent of coral reefs, they represent the complexities of life underwater.

While her studio was founded a decade ago, Barragão continues to stretch her creativity. Over the past year, she's increased her emphasis on environmental advocacy and sustainability, but that's not all.

“I've also been experimenting with new techniques and textures in my art process, like 3D artworks, aiming to enrich the sensory experience of my pieces,” Barragão tells My Modern Met. “This evolution reflects my dedication to using art as a medium for change and education.”

Part of this evolution also includes travel to the places that inspire her artwork. One such trip, which Barragão describes as “transformative,” saw her visit Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands. Known for its coral reefs rich with marine life, the archipelago had a profound impact on her creative output.

“Witnessing the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life firsthand reinforced my commitment to marine conservation,” she shares. “The textures and patterns I observed during my visit have directly influenced the designs in my collections, aiming to capture the essence of these underwater worlds.”

Barragão's push to use her art to bring awareness to the environment appears to be paying off. Recently, Portugal donated one of her large tapestry's to the United Nations as a way to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“My goal is to highlight the impact of human actions on these delicate environments and to encourage a collective effort towards their preservation. Ultimately, I want my art to catalyze environmental consciousness, motivating others to engage in conservation efforts and to help protect our planet for future generations.”