Most of the life on earth depends on a few thin millimeters of living corals, which support the productivity of the many of marine organisms. Although the calcium carbonate skeletons deposited by these animals are strong, these structures are deceptive, because the living organisms housed within are some of the most delicate on earth1.  The vulnerability of these organisms has already started become clear, with coral reefs suffering an estimated 40% worldwide loss over the last 30 years2. Coral reef die offs are predicted to increase over the last century, with these delicate ecosystems facing extinction as a result of human ignorance. This series reveals the innate delicacy of corals, drawing inspiration from three different species of corals and sponges. Using delicate, transparent materials like tissue paper and coffee filters, these works explore the organic shapes of corals in all their fragility.  

 

1. Birkeland, C. (1997). Life and death of coral reefs. Springer Science & Business Media.

2. Baker, A. C. (2014). Climate Change: Many Ways to Beat the Heat for Reef Corals. Current Biology, 24(24), R1166-R1168.