Protetora dos Animais (1989) Painting by Erna Antunes - ( Erna Y )

In Brazil Erna Y has worked continuously on her painting, sculpture and tapestry.
Her inspiration comes from both nature and humankind. Man is intrinsically connected to nature but is slowly destroying it. With her art Erna wants to bring Man back in contact with nature and its beauty. A return to nature is a return to the love of God and his creation.
With her experience Erna was the mentor and organizer of 1st Cultural and Arts Festival of Ouro Preto and Mariana (Brazil) in July, 1965 - the very first festival of its kind held in Brazil. Since then the Mariana and Ouro Preto Festival is held yearly and served as model for art festivals throughout Brazil.

Her art (paintings and tapestries) is exposed in private collections in Yugoslavia, Portugal, Japan, Australia, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France,Jordan, India and Brazil.

Erna Y has been a member of the Brazilian Fine Arts Academy since 1970, and shortly thereafter she received the Pedro Américo Gold Medal of Honor.
In May, 2008 she was honored with the MEDAL OF VERMEIL by the French Societé Académique des Arts, Sciences et Lettres founded in 1915.

Erna Antunes ( Erna Y ), died on 2014 March. 8 due to natural causes at her home in Rio de Janeiro .

• Nationality: BRAZIL
• Date of birth : 1926
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Brazilian Artists