The Ground Upon Which We Stand: Annie Walker-Sea Sponges Triptych

30" x 30" x 3"

Modeling paste, pumice stone, oil, acrylic on canvas

Bleached. When the ocean water is too cold or too hot, too much light or too little, when the seawater dilutes by too much fresh water or pollution, all can impact a vivacious reef. Healthy coral depends on algae to keep it colorful and strong. Once the coral is stressed, this important algae leaves their tissue, causing the coral to turn pale and ghostly white, leaving the coral susceptible to disease and death. In this series, I use multiple textures and lack of color to recreate the beauty and horror of coral bleaching.