Ernesto Kunde was born and raised on a farm in Paraíso do Sul, Brazil in 1973. in 1994, Kunde spent time in Germany learning agriculture and discovering his family roots. Upon returning to Brazil in 1995, he continued his work in agriculture (corn) and began his artistic journey by experimenting with works on paper: drawings and controlled coffee stains. In 2006, Kunde moved to Miami, where he found new inspiration in the local environment and began his professional journey as an artist. He was immediately drawn to mangroves because the roots reminded him of those of corn back home. Over the years, Kunde has experimented with various mediums including acrylic on canvas and linen, stainless steel and wood cuts. Although mangroves and the South Florida tropical landscape remain the dominant subjects, Kunde is constantly influenced by his surroundings.

One of his most popular series was Nostalgia: A Tribute to Miami, that captures historic or iconic landmarks in Miami. Kunde is involved in environmental organizations and projects, using his art to support and share the importance mangrove forests have our ecosystem.

Using canvas, linen, found wood, corrugated aluminum, and stainless steel, my work centers on the tangled landscape of mangroves. I interpret our tropical surroundings, trying to accentuate the vital elements of Miami as a natural and urban biosphere. Like a journalist or writer, I see it as my job to capture a moment in time, to reflect and preserve that moment in a way that accents its singular significance. I try to highlight the ordinary in a way that makes people take a second look. How we adapt to our surroundings and how we influence our surroundings are questions that intrigue me. Mangroves, in particular, such a crucial component of our eco-system, are themselves incredibly adaptive. Using contrasting tones and the play of light, I aim to create both an appealing aesthetic and an engaging experience.

Residencies at the Bakehouse Art Complex (2012- 2015), Sedona Summer Colony (Summer 2016), and Franz Mayer of Munich, Germany (Fall 2016). I have shown extensively throughout South Florida at venues such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Coral Gables Museum, the Cornell Museum in Delray Beach, Miami-Dade College Kendall Gallery, Sardinas Gallery/St. Thomas University, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, and the Little Haiti Cultural Center. I also have exhibited my work during Art Basel Miami (at CONTEXT, SCOPE, and SPECTRUM) since 2012 and Wynwood Art Fair from 2013-2016. In 2017 2018 I was selected to create a public art installation at Live Like Bella Park (Miami)completed 2020