In 2024, seven rivers in the Yanomami territory in Brazil were contaminated by mercury from illegal mining, poisoning 94% of the Yanomami community. Traditional mercury detection methods are lab-based and inaccessible to detect in real time to them, leaving them vulnerable. To address this, we created the Noama Paddle, inspired by Yanomami cultural designs and painted with a special ink made of gold and silver nanoparticles. When exposed to contaminated water, the ink changes color from red to purple, signaling unsafe water. This simple, innovative tool empowers the Yanomami to detect contamination independently, protect their health, preserve their way of life, and expose environmental crimes affecting their land. 

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My role - Art Direction

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Creative Team: Marina Quadros, Breno Bonelli, Gabriel Lyra, Yago Meneses

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Mentor: Filipe Sanches

 

Motion Design: Fabrizzio Larocca

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3D: Valdimar Júnior