Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel algae that live inside their tissues. Normally, coral polyps live in an endosymbiotic relationship with this algae crucial for the health of the coral and the reef. The algae provides up to 90% of the coral’s energy. Bleached corals continue to live but begin to starve after bleaching. Above-average sea water temperatures caused by global warming is the leading cause of coral bleaching.
For a Project about coral bleaching I designed an interactive coral sculpture. The sculpture simulates the process of dying coral colonies. At first you can see the lively and fluorescent corals. The particles symbolize the algae that are getting expelled when sea water temperature rises. The project tells an emotionally and narrative story about how global warming is effecting the live of thousands of coral reefs and the sensitive ecosystem in the under water world.
