‘Collateral Damage Below’ shines a spotlight on the effects of climate

change over time taking place below the surface of our water planet.

Coral reefs are the rain forests of the oceans and are struggling for

survival. This art project involved research into the conditions across

the globe, web searches revealing images tracking coral reef

bleaching, reading numerous publications and scientific studies plus

news of reef restoration efforts and data about what species thrive.

This information and sense of purpose propelled an artistic response -

an exhibition evocative of the demise and degradation of coral reefs

and marine life mostly due to climate change. Signs of coral

restoration efforts become sculpture that point to hope.

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The collaborative project features the underwater photography of Bob

Gould with Christine’s experimental artistry. Degraded photo prints

have been collaged forming a shifting textural landscape layered with mirror

and coral fragments, sand, sea salt, silica and photo emulsion

residue. Colorful underwater photographs share the walls with

etched-in and degraded photo prints amidst ambient blue lights.

Lively HD underwater video plays, reflecting on mirror shards

mounted above and on the five canvases across the room. A

reclaimed fishing net holding zip ties, coral pieces, mirror fragments

and hand mirrors with reef images is suspended above.

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Sound is the heartbeat of the biosphere and marks each species, how

they communicate and interact. Ambient sounds shift around the

room layered from IOSS SanctSound coral life recordings made by

NOAA and the US Navy. Over four years, hydroponic microphones

were placed in four global National Marine Sanctuaries and have been

layered by AV artist, Gene Panczenko. 'Collateral Damage Below' is an

evolving project with gallery installations that adapt to the location.