by Roberto Romero

Handmade welded steel piece with electrostatic painting
Mandacaru: Large: 100 x 50 cm – Small: 60 x 42 cm
Coroa de Frade: 20 x 25 cm
Palma: 60 x 60 cm
Frutos: 15 x 7 cm

Cacti are abundant in the Caatinga, the predominant biome of Brazil’s Northeast. They are commonly found in states such as Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Pernambuco, and have become enduring symbols of the region—closely tied to the identity of the Northeastern people.

These sculptures represent three of the five native cactus species in the area: Mandacaru, Palma, Xique-xique, Facheiro, and Coroa-de-frade. The vibrant, luminous fruits represent different stages of ripeness and echo the joy and colorfulness of traditional June festivals (Festas Juninas).

With a minimalist aesthetic, the wire lines offer an essentialized expression of the plants, while the barbs represent the spines that protect the cacti, minimize water loss, and help capture humidity. The pieces can be used as floor sculptures or as luminous art objects on shelves or side tables.

Each sculpture is handcrafted in galvanized welded steel. The production involves artisans from Rio de Janeiro’s urban communities who are connected to Carnival samba schools. Every piece is unique. The collection is also sustainable, as part of the steel used comes from recycled costumes and parade floats—materials that would otherwise be discarded.

The Northeast collection debuted at the 2025 São Paulo Design Week (DW-SP), at Galeria Metrópole, as a trend in contemporary Brazilian design.