Awasi Artist Immersion – Carolina Salom
Textile artist Carolina Salom delved into the world of natural dyes, experimenting with Misiones’ iconic red Ñau mud, various jungle fungi, yerba mate, and roots from local trees.
“The jungle is a living laboratory of color. Every plant, every fungus, every type of earth offers different possibilities.” – Carolina Salom
Salom’s residency at Awasi Iguazu marked a significant departure from her usual practice. Known for her contemporary textile installations using synthetic materials, she came to the Atlantic Rainforest seeking to reconnect with traditional dyeing techniques used by indigenous communities.
Natural Alchemy
Working with our guides who have deep knowledge of local plants, Salom spent her days collecting materials and experimenting with different dyeing processes. The famous red earth of Misiones, rich in iron oxide, became a particular focus of her work.
“The Ñau mud gives an incredible range of colors depending on how you treat it,” she explains. “Mixed with different mordants, exposed to heat or cold, combined with plant materials – each variation creates a unique shade from pink to deep burgundy.”
Sustainable Practice
Beyond the aesthetic exploration, Salom’s work at Awasi highlighted the importance of sustainable artistic practices. Every material she used was gathered responsibly, with attention to the regenerative capacity of the forest.
“Indigenous communities have been creating beautiful textiles with these materials for centuries without depleting resources. There’s so much we can learn from these traditions.” – Carolina Salom
Her final exhibition featured a series of silk panels dyed with local materials, each accompanied by documentation of the specific plants and processes used. The works created a visual map of the forest’s chromatic possibilities.
Salom’s residency exemplifies how the Awasi Artist Immersion programme fosters not just artistic creation but also cultural exchange and environmental awareness. Her work continues to inspire both artists and guests to see the natural world as a source of both beauty and wisdom.
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