Pamela Castro is a Brazilian artist, activist, teacher, leader, and feminist and the latest addition to the FlutuArte project. Known widely by her street name, Anarkia, Panmela has been using graffiti to combat domestic violence since 2005.

Anarkia in front of one of her paintings, photo courtesy of Revista Marie Claire

I am personally pleased to be working Panmela because she is an artist who is using her gift to influence change in the world. In an industry heavily dominated by men it is refreshing to see a woman who is not only talented but is also leading and teaching other women to express themselves.

In 2008, she made history by becoming the FIRST female to win a Hutuz Award – the event being the most important Hip Hop award ceremony in Brazil. In 2010, she was co-winner of the Hutuz Award for Artist of The Decade. In 2010 she received the Human Rights award from the Vital Voices Global Partnership; an organization which helps honor and develop women leaders all over the world. In addition to all of this she was recently awarded a Diane Von Furstenberg award.

Panmela at the third annual Diane Von Furstenberg awards, photo courtesy of Zimbio

One of Anarkia’s vibrant paintings

Panmela also started Redi Nami, an organization that uses social art projects as an instrument of cultural transformation.

Panmela with Rede Nami, photo courtesy of Rede Nami

The Free Art Society is proud to add her to the growing list of international artists participating in FlutuArte. Photos of Panmela’s boat to come!