BLEACHED. An immersive exhibition where coral science meets the arts.
Bleached, a new science meets art exhibition was launched on Thursday 12 May. This immersive and interactive exhibition of colour, light and dark where science meets art is part of an exciting broader project relating to SMMI experts, Professor Joerg Wiedenmann and Dr Cecilia D’Angelo’s research on coral reefs and the Vulgar Earth artist collective's artistic interpretation of their research.
The launch was attended by scientists, artists and policy makers who learned about the environmental and societal impacts of the Coral Reef Laboratory’s work while being inspired by art, coral and the environment. During his opening speech, Joerg highlighted the importance of the Coral Reef Lab’s research findings, stating “the decline of corals reefs is an urgent call for action for a more sustainable interaction with the environment. Not only in the oceans, but also on land.
The fragile beauty of corals offers great opportunities to communicate this message through the arts to a wider audience". Guests also warmly welcomed guest speaker Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director of the Government of the British Virgin Islands London Office, which is the territory’s representative mission to the UK and Europe. During her speech, Siobhan emphasised how this work boldly and colourfully reminds us that maintaining the best possible reef water quality needs to underpin global action against climate change to save coral reefs. She also stated “this exhibition shows that the melding together of art and science is powerful in bringing greater attention to environmental issues. Beyond that, the research presented this evening can be used as evidence for action in regional management to help protect coral reefs from climate change as water temperatures continue to rise to dangerous levels.”
Colleagues and members of the public are welcome to visit the free exhibition in Southampton until 5 June 2022.
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13 May – 5 June 2022 | God’s House Tower art gallery, Southampton SO14 2NY | Free entry
Opening: Friday & Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 | Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Follow The Coral Reef Laboratory on Twitter @TheCoralReefLab