Coral Bleaching

- 'A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change to water temperature.'

My aim was to explore the visual impact of coral bleaching due to the distruction caused by climate change, creating a contrast in colours and texture between coral before and after bleaching and an insight into the impact that can have on marine life. I decided to create an ocean scene that shows the contrast between healthy and unhealthy coral in a natural habitat, In the display of a light box. To show this I was able to change the exposure/texture of my skins using printing techniques and photoshop to show the physical impact bleaching creates while using water caustics and lighting to create a deep underwater affect and cast shadows like it was through a glass box.

Using images of destroyed coral allowed me to replicate how this would look underwater to other species in their own habitat, as the bleaching due to rise in temperatures creates lack of food supplies and less space to habit or create new life.

The chosen colours are natural ones you can find in the reef, how they used to be so bright and bold with its rough natural textures that feed and habitat marine creatures. I took inspiration from a Ceramic Sculptor - Courtney Mattinson, who focuses on the shape, texture and colours of coral and creates a visual contrast with the colours fading to white after our bleaching process begins.