Morro Vermelho (Red Hill) is a series of pipes that refers to a geographic region in Minas Gerais, the state where part of my ancestors lived and from which I hold deep affective memories. Each piece in the series carries, through its form, texture, and color, an evocation of the Morro Vermelho territory as a place of passage, dwelling, and memory. An affective archaeology translated into a pipe: a ritualistic, symbolic object of belonging.

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With its bluish-toned waters and reddish rock cliffs, Morro Vermelho is part of the Serra do Gandarela region, a territory of significant biological, geological, archaeological, and hydrological heritage. The area is home to rocky grasslands, remnants of the Atlantic Forest transitioning into Cerrado formations, as well as native vegetation, paleoburrows, springs, and waterfalls. Despite its importance, it is a region under constant threat.

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The pipes in the Morro Vermelho series feature a sandblasted finish, crosscut carving, and stems in blended tones. Through the sandblasting process, I sculpt the rocky cliffs and their reddish hues, creating contrasts that symbolize the presence of ferrous minerals characteristic of the territory. Each piece thus establishes a sensitive relationship between material, landscape, and memory.