David Elia's thought-provoking installation that captures the vulnerability of Brazil’s rainforest

For the Brazilian Pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2018 at Somerset House, London-based Brazilian artist and designer David Elia has created Desmatamento, meaning deforestation, an installation that captures the vulnerability of Brazil’s rainforest and the raw emotions surrounding both its destruction, and the ongoing efforts to save it.

Elia’s focus for the exhibit highlights the Mata Atlantica, a rainforest in South America which spans along the Atlantic Coast running from Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil to Paraguay. The biodiversity present in the Mata Atlantica is one of the densest and abundant in the world as well as being one of the most threatened.

As you visit 'Desmatamento', you'll be transported into the Mata Atlantica, where the fragrances of the rainforest permeate the room by a central pile of Eucalyptus logs. You'll also experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest in the Ubatuba region through a projected film produced by Director Tunde Albert.

Stools meticulously crafted from the branches of found Eucalyptus trees, a fast-growing species widely used in Brazil reforestation are another key feature, inspiring us to sit and contemplate the future of the planet. Each piece is covered by numerous small cross-sections of Eucalyptus branches.

An ultramarine band at the base of each stool represents the mark used by forest wardens to indicate trees that are to be saved from being felled. This prominent, vibrant blue symbolises both the controversy to protect the delicate ecosystem and the hope that progress is being made.

Elia explains: "Desmatamento not only gives voice to the issue but simultaneously represents a strong and necessary sense of optimism and endurance surrounding this matter. In 2017, the upward trend of deforestation was reversed, and a fall of 16% was registered compared to the previous year. Brazil has agreed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 37% below the levels of 2005, but this commitment must be maintained and is of utmost importance."

Desmatamento by David Elia Design Studio goes on show from 4 until 23 September 2018 at London's Somerset House, as part of the London Design Biennale.