Reflection

The sculptural installation created by Introduction to Art and Art in Motion classes depicts a coral reef ecosystem, complete with sixteen types of coral, twenty-five small reef animal species, fifteen larger reef animals, and a pod of seventeen dolphins. Climate change is significantly affecting coral reefs globally, with a possible total extinction possible within our lifetimes. This causes a chain reaction, impacting not only the coral, but the small and large animals that use the reef as their habitat. Even large species, such as the Hectors dolphin, cannot afford habitat losses due to climate change. The reef structures were created out of cardboard, glue and paint by Introduction to Art students who investigated coral structures and formations and the small sea animals that rely on the coral reefs for habitat. The Art in Motion class created seventeen dolphins in the process of emerging or re-entering the water.