The Desert Cloud
History
The Desert Cloud Workshop was initiated by NatHalie Braun Barends over 10 years ago. While working on a series of paintings (using natural, light sensitive, colour pigments), several works revealed themselves as possible answers to the question: “If you were in the desert, how would you like to reach the clouds?”
At the same time, NatHalie was working on different socio-ecological projects, one with children of the Pastoral do Menor – Djalma in São Paulo. She decided to start a creativity workshop with them, focusing on the same question. The Desert Cloud Workshop was born.
In 1996, it led to an interactive exhibition of children’s drawings at the Caracol Cultural Space at EXPO-FAU in the University of São Paulo, where visitors were invited to contribute.
Ever since, NatHalie has been asking the same question to thousands of people while travelling the world, encouraging them to represent how they would like to answer it in the form of their choice. Her purpose is to unleash creativity in oneself and to interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds on this poetic and dreamlike theme.
Ultimately, all answers will be published on this website, where some of the many drawings already gathered or those yet to come will be compiled, in a book or on a film. NatHalie will also use them as part of an original work of art.
You are also welcome to contribute with one or more drawings or text, and you may also attach a photograph if you please. Just click here to proceed.
Today, there are 248 contributors online with a total of 304 drawings and photos.
Contributors with more than one drawing are identified with a blue baseline. Click on icons to open fullcreen photos. Click inside photo to close or to display contributor’s next image.
Exhibit
In 1996, NatHalie Braun Barends organised the first interactive exhibition of children’s drawings from Pastoral do Menor – Djalma in São Paulo, with whom she had initiated the Desert Cloud Workshop. It took place at the Caracol Cultural Space at EXPO-FAU in the University of São Paulo. Visitors were invited to contribute and the exhibit raised great interest, from both participants and visitors.
Other exhibits may be organised in the future. In the meantime, this website will serve as an open window for all to see their creations and those of others, within this expanding workshop.
"Picture yourself in the desert and how would you like to reach the clouds?"
Upload your drawings, texts, photos, or any creative thought that might answer this question.
You may also join a picture of yourself if you please. For multiple uploads, just use the form several times.
Your contribution might become part of a book, an exhibition or film in the future.
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