Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Fernanda Froes is a visual artist born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and based in Miami. Her artwork explores the connections
between ecology and colonization and how these elements intersect. She conducts research at the convergence of art,
science, and history, with a strong focus on preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Americas. Her artistic process often begins with iconographic research and evolves into painting, fiber art, and printmaking. Froes incorporates historical pigments like brazilwood, indigo, and mangrove, which connects her work deeply to her Brazilian heritage.
Fernanda Froes's recent studies delve into historical botanical dyes, focusing on brazilwood, indigo, and mangrove.
She explores traditional recipes for preparing Brazilwood and Indigo dyes, adhering to historical methods and processes that unveil the cultural heritage embedded within each pigment. Sustainably sourced from native plants, these dyes carry profound symbolism, reflecting the legacy of colonial exploitation across Brazil and the Americas. Brazilwood, for instance, is historically tied to Portuguese extraction, marking one of Brazil's earliest environmental degradation cases. In contrast, mangrove and indigo represent the botanical knowledge of native peoples and the intricate dynamics of trade during colonial rule.
Froes holds degrees in Graphic Design and Industrial Design from the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) and an MFA in Visual Arts from the Miami Art Institute. She is also a member of The55Project, Bref Design & Art Paris, FAMA (Fiber Artist Miami Association), and Art Muse LA/Miami. Recently, Froes participated in solo and collective exhibitions in São Paulo, New York, Miami, and Paris, including events at the SoHo Beach House Miami, Consulate of Brazil in Miami, Espace Krajcberg Paris, Hôtel de Guise for Thema Art Fair Paris, MOOCA, Ancient Spanish Monastery, Feria Clandestina, Parodi Costume Collection, MIFA – Miami International Fine Art, Epic Residencies & Hotel, Coral Gables Museum, Vizcaya Museum, Pinta Miami 2024, among others. Since January 2024, she is part of the Red Thread Artist Studio in Coral Gables. Recently, she has been awarded the Miami Dade Individual Artists (MIA) Grant for 2024/2025, and received The Ellies Oolite Visual Arts Award 2025/2026.
