The Two Oceans Aquarium has unveiled an enthralling new addition to its exhibits: an explosion of colour and texture in the form of a crochet coral reef. Situated on the ramp between the Touch Pool and the Penguin Exhibit, this conservation-focused creation is impossible to miss.
As per the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Abundance Crochet Coral Reef is the brainchild of the Woodstock Art Reef Project (WARP) in South Africa.
Handcrafted over a span of 18 years by hundreds of South African citizens, this collection of crocheted coral and marine life aims to raise awareness about the precarious state of our ocean’s coral reefs.
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The inception of the Abundance Crochet Coral Reef at the aquarium can be traced back to Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute for Figuring in Los Angeles, California. They founded WARP as a satellite project of the global Crochet Coral Project, focusing on the survival of coral reefs through the intricate art of crochet.
By utilising larger-than-life crochet techniques, WARP creates detailed coral artworks that serve as a powerful medium for community engagement, creative expression and environmental activism. The project has successfully merged art, mathematics and activism to promote collective action for the protection of our environment. It has gained worldwide recognition, showcasing the potential of traditional crafts to drive positive change and safeguard coral reefs.
The leaders of WARP, Maria van Gass and Leonie Hofmeyer-Juritz, were inspired to establish the satellite project in Woodstock, Cape Town, after watching Margaret Wertheim’s enlightening TED Talk, titled The Beautiful Math of Coral. The involvement of other environmental activists such as Zola Ndimande and Dylan McGarry, along with contributions from donors and benefactors, has played a significant role in the realisation of WARP’s objectives.
Dr Dylan McGarry, an educational sociologist, artist and storyteller, curated the Abundance Crochet Coral Reef in collaboration with WARP for its new home at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Dr McGarry, a senior researcher at the Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC) at Rhodes University and co-director of the Global One Ocean Hub research network, is renowned for his commitment to environmental education.
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At the Aquarium, where education takes precedence, visitors can now immerse themselves in this extraordinary fuzzy coral reef installation while learning about the threats faced by coral reefs.
Dr McGarry emphasised the significance of the Abundance Crochet Coral Reef, stating, ‘The overwhelming experience that comes with facing ecological crises is that your small part does not count. Yet, when interacting with the Abundance Crochet Coral Reef, one gets to experience your small contribution, which finds its place in solidarity with a wider tapestry of colour and experience.’
He continued, ‘Each coral has a story, a person it was created by, and can become a powerful connective aesthetic for people, especially children, to gain hope in times of crises that their small contribution does indeed make a difference.’
The installation serves as an educational tool, offering insights into the state of coral reefs in the wild. Coral reefs worldwide are confronting severe threats, with rising temperatures due to climate change being a primary concern. Over the past four decades, between 30% and 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost, and from 2009 to 2018, 14% of them died. Experts predict that unless immediate action is taken, coral reefs will face widespread destruction in the next 40 years.
During a visit to the Aquarium, observers may notice that the left side of the crochet coral reef is entirely white. This depiction represents coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by increasing changes in temperature, nutrients and light that stress the coral, leading them to expel the algae that provide their vibrant colours.
While the coral remains alive after bleaching, the stress can ultimately result in its death. Without the algae, the coral loses its primary food source, rendering it more susceptible to disease.
The stark contrast between the white side of the crochet coral reef and the vivid colours on the ‘healthy’ side serves as a powerful reminder of the impact humans have on the ocean. It underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and urges individuals to make positive contributions. By conserving water, supporting ecologically sound and organic farming methods and reducing energy consumption, we can all play a role in preserving coral reefs and combating climate change.
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium