Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Art

First Advisor

Joseph Weber

Second Advisor

James DaVania

Third Advisor

Peter Cotroneo

Abstract

This directed project includes research on a selection of the 24 coral species currently listed as threatened or endangered, these being at high risk of extinction. Climate change of the Anthropocene era and associated human-induced pollution impacts have resulted in most of the Earth’s coral reefs experiencing increased coral bleaching and coral death events. Our planet’s coral reefs are the main habitat to 25% of the world’s fish population. These coral habitats have also supported innumerous coastal communities in cultural, economic, social, and spiritual respects for millennia. This directed project includes the creation of an exhibition of 22 lidded ceramic urns that will include sculptural forms of each coral species, and underglaze illustrated elements, including cultural imagery, that examine and demonstrate the visual ethnography of how the extinction of these species may impact the coastal communities and cultures associated with each of these specific species. The exhibition of artworks is intended to raise awareness of the fragility of coral reefs through an advocacy role. The framework of this project is innovative in its utilization of ethnographic theory and approaches that integrate 2D and 3D visual imagery and form while also exploring the international cultural, economic, spiritual, and social impacts of these coral species. This exhibition includes 15 ceramic urns and explores a selection of threatened and endangered coral species. Each urn demonstrating a selected coral species with an illustrated surface and sculpted lid, with the intent to increase awareness of anthropomorphic impacts on coral species as well as coastal communities and cultures.

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