2018
Embroidery thread and pins on paper
90 x 74cm (framed size)
Private collection
The world’s coral reefs are in peril. Large expanses of reefs are bleaching and dyeing due to warming ocean temperatures. Most people are familiar with the cause and result of coral bleaching but there is another, relatively unknown, a phenomenon that is happening on some reefs. The coral is glowing.
Little is known about this recent evolutionary adaptation. It is believed to be a type of chemical sunscreen the coral produces to help protect themselves from the heat. These stunning shades of violet and blue are a type of swan song for coral. A beautiful fateful fluorescence as the coral transforms itself in a final attempt to survive this changing world.