Ernesto Kunde was born and raised on a farm in Paraíso do Sul, Brazil in 1973. In 1994, Kunde spent time in Germany learning agriculture and discovering his family roots. Upon returning to Brazil in 1995, he continued his work in agriculture (corn) and began his artistic journey by experimenting with works on paper: drawings and controlled coffee stains. In 2006, Kunde moved to Miami, where he found new inspiration in the local environment and began his professional journey as an artist. He was immediately drawn to mangroves because the roots reminded him of those of corn back home. Over the years, Kunde has experimented with various mediums including acrylic on canvas and linen, stainless steel, and woodcuts. Although mangroves and the South Florida tropical landscape remain the dominant subjects, Kunde is constantly influenced by his surroundings. One of his most popular series was Nostalgia: A Tribute to Miami, which captures historic or iconic landmarks in Miami. Kunde is involved in environmental organizations and projects, using his art to support and share the importance mangrove forests have in our ecosystem. Artist Statement: Brazilian native Ernesto Kunde uses contrasting hues and abstract imagery to show mangroves, intricate root systems, sea grapes and their canopies, and other native plant life in his detailed exploration of Miami and Florida's natural ecology. He wants to bring attention to how the landscape he portrays is evolving. His complex pieces of art are intended to engage and motivate viewers to understand that we are all responsible for maintaining the natural world, which is essential to our survival.