Baleia de Lixo Sculpture

Gazing up at this massive creature, one might initially feel a sense of awe. But look closer at the Baleia de Lixo. This whale isn’t made of flesh and bone. It’s formed from the very trash that pollutes our oceans. The Baleia de Lixo sculpture stands here in Bosque da Barra, not as a celebration, but as a stark reminder of our impact on the environment. Created by the artist Clécio Regis, this whale was originally displayed at AquaRio during Children’s Week in October 2020. It was part of the Rio ao Mar Project, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of improper waste disposal on Rio de Janeiro’s marine environment. The project collected 493.32 kg of trash from Rio’s beaches. This trash was then transformed into marine animal sculptures, including the Baleia de Lixo, a seahorse, and an octopus. These sculptures were later donated to the city. The seahorse and the Baleia de Lixo found their home here in Bosque da Barra. Sadly, the informative plaque that once stood before the Baleia de Lixo, detailing its creation and purpose, has been lost. We know it existed at least until July 6, 2021, thanks to an Instagram post from the park’s official account. The plaque described the Baleia de Lixo as being made of waste collected from Rio’s beaches, emphasizing the 80 years it takes for such waste to decompose. It highlighted the nearly 100kg of recyclable materials used in the sculpture and urged visitors to learn more about the Rio ao Mar project via a QR code. The Baleia de Lixo is more than just a sculpture. It’s a call to action. It’s a poignant symbol of the urgent need for responsible waste management and the protection of our oceans.