#coral bleaching

Detail of “Ghost Coral.”

Exquisitely Cut Paper Sculptures by Rogan Brown Highlight the Effects of Coral Bleaching

Through new paper sculptures comprised of delicately fringed sea creatures, Brown (previously) creates a striking visual display of the disastrous impacts of the climate crisis on marine life, showing how issues like coral bleaching can radiate outward into the wider world.

In “Ghost Coral,” two circular reliefs comprised of intricate paper cuttings splay outward, layering the fragile lifeforms sliced from stark, white paper. These monochromatic pieces contrast their vibrant counterparts, which are nestled into the protective center of one of the masses. The other work, titled “Coral Garden,” is Brown’s interpretation of the heat-resistant organisms that scientists grow and plant in deteriorating patches for rejuvenation, and he places bright, healthy creatures, which are enclosed in transparent bubbles, within swaths of spindly, pale creatures. To create both pieces, Brown follows the same meticulous process, which involves drawing the organisms, cutting them out with a laser, and carefully hand-painting and mounting them into their final, sprawling forms.

“Ghost Coral”

“Coral Garden”

“Ghost Coral”

I was going through some old photos and found some pictures from a snorkeling trip I took a couple years ago to Key Largo. It was an amazing to be in a place that is responsible for providing food and/ or shelter to ¼ of all ocean species. The sad truth is photos (like the ones I took) may soon be all that is left of these extraordinary ecosystems. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection stated there was a 44% decline in coral cover from the years 1996-2005. Over 11 years have past and the issue has not gone away. In 2014, an additional five coral species were listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Due to our addiction to fossil fuels and the carbon emissions that come with it, coral reefs have been devastated by rising ocean temperatures and increases in ocean acidity. The threats to coral reefs also come from boating, overfishing and tourism.

This is all very frightening, I understand its very easy to give up in times like these. Never forget that there is always hope. You can help end this destruction. You can send letters to state legislators and urge them to sign bills that work to promote clean, renewable sources of energy (wind, solar, wave) and to impose green taxes on polluting companies. If
you fish or boat, be sure to only catch non-endangered fish during proper seasons and follow all laws regarding speeds and docking. If you choose to tour these wonderful communities, be sure not to touch anything or cause any unnecessary turbidity with your flippers.
Together we can keep these beautiful, biodiverse communities from disappearing. Together we can keep our world from collapse❤

Photos taken at: John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Florida

Sources:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/threats.htm

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/2594504

https://ocean.si.edu/corals-and-coral-reefs

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