Through this piece, I was initially trying to exhibit the idea that the depletion of coral reefs, if unchecked, will soon turn them into nothing more than the drawings left in scientific journals, in the same way that all that’s left of ancient societies is often the works of art that they leave behind. While exploring and researching for this idea, I was definitely profoundly struck by just how irreversible the human mark is on our ocean’s ecosystems as a whole; when you look at underwater statue exhibits like the Molinere Sculpture Park, it can feel as if the exhibit is indicative of humanity’s constant negative presence. On the other hand, the fact that such exhibits are so quickly completely overrun with new life and organisms is also indicative of nature’s ability to bounce back, when given the chance. I think I found a way that my piece cannot only warn others about the future that lies before us, but also hope about what could happen should we choose to change our course.
All That’s Left
Description
Gwenan Walker
New Canaan, Connecticut
2019
Details
Printed on archival fine art matte paper, with thin white border
Through this piece, I was initially trying to exhibit the idea that the depletion of coral reefs, if unchecked, will soon turn them into nothing more than the drawings left in scientific journals, in the same way that all that’s left of ancient societies is often the works of art that they leave behind. While exploring and researching for this idea, I was definitely profoundly struck by just how irreversible the human mark is on our ocean’s ecosystems as a whole; when you look at underwater statue exhibits like the Molinere Sculpture Park, it can feel as if the exhibit is indicative of humanity’s constant negative presence. On the other hand, the fact that such exhibits are so quickly completely overrun with new life and organisms is also indicative of nature’s ability to bounce back, when given the chance. I think I found a way that my piece cannot only warn others about the future that lies before us, but also hope about what could happen should we choose to change our course.