A Beautiful Death
Kelly Spencer
Marley Beach
"In certain areas of the world ocean, scientists have begun to find corals fluorescing vibrant blue, purple and yellow. The corals have already bleached, but in a final effort to save themselves, they are producing this pigmented chemical sunscreen as protection from harsh sunlight. It’s stunningly beautiful - but it is a dire warning. Coral reefs are so fragile, and as global warming causes ocean temperatures to rise, the coral appears as if it is calling out for help.
So, The Ocean Agency teamed up with Adobe and Pantone to recreate the ‘Glowing Colors’, with a campaign for artists to produce artworks that raise awareness of the global coral plight. PangeaSeed Foundation partnered up with The Ocean Agency for Sea Walls St. Croix, and I was asked to create the very first Glowing Gone Mural.
St. Croix is a small island with a complex history and diverse local cultures. The tourism trade is minimal here, and damage from the 2017 hurricane is still very evident both on the island and underwater.
I wrapped this building at the Marley Housing complex with local species of coral and fish which I encountered while snorkeling offshore. The site is directly opposite the beautiful Caribbean sea, in an area where the community come to gather and have passionate chats alongside the old fish market. It was incredible to witness first-hand the connection that passing locals made with the theme of this public artwork." - Kelly Spencer
PC: Yoshi_Travel_Films (Japan)