{"title": "Reef Memory", "website": "https://www.instagram.com/touchpottery/", "bannerImg": "bafkreiabdvqaod22jtcfs5lguskbgue5foutvi52swf4j5g5imzrwlzfxa", "createdAt": 1739461320950, "credentials": {}, "description": "Press Release: Ceramic Corals\n\nKaith presents the unique ceramic coral collection \"Reef Memory\"—handmade substrates for marine ecosystem restoration and scientific observation.\n\nCoral reefs—one of the most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems on the planet—are under threat due to pollution and climate change. In response to these challenges, ceramic artist Kaith has created the \"Reef Memory\" collection—hand-built ceramic substrates placed on the seabed off the coast of Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea as part of an UNESCO endorsed project. These prototypes for artificial reefs help preserve biodiversity by providing a new habitat for marine life while also raising awareness about the urgent need to protect ocean ecosystems.\n\nKaith’s collection captures the beauty and intricate textures of natural reefs, which play a crucial role in sustaining marine life. Inspired by organic coral formations, the ceramic sculptures vary in height and detailing, reflecting the natural diversity of coral reefs. Deep cavities and smooth curves on the surface create the illusion of living corals, blending seamlessly into the marine environment and offering shelter for marine creatures. Additionally, the sculptures serve as incubators for live corals, which are transplanted onto them, aiding in their growth and regeneration.\n\nThis project was also made possible thanks to artist and mentor, Colleen Flanigan, whose pioneering work in ecological art and science in Cozumel has been a source of inspiration and guidance. Colleen has been working in science collaborations and leading transdisciplinary initiatives for over 20 years, emphasizing the role of art in practical solutions for environmental restoration.\n\nScientific Support and Monitoring\n\nAs part of the project, Kaith collaborates with Dr. Germán Mendez, founder of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, and Adrián Andrés Morales G., marine biologist and nursery manager of the Cozumel Coral Conservatory. They will monitor and document the ceramic reefs' evolution and impacts to assess their contribution to biodiversity rehabilitation.\n\nThis \"Reef Memory\" project is made possible thanks to the generous contribution of time, facilities, equipment, volunteer divers, skilled team, resources, and support of the Cozumel Coral Conservatory (CozCC) coalition members: Sand Dollar Sports Dive Shop, Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, Living Sea Sculpture, LEEAC, MesoReefDAO, CIMAC, and Wave of Change. CozCC is a UNESCO-endorsed Ocean Decade project for Sustainable Development Goals under the Marine Life 30 programme.\n\nBy being part of an internationally recognized effort, this initiative highlights a unique and positive model for transformation—restoring marine habitats while mitigating the destructive effects of tourism and coastal development.\n\nArt and Education as a Call to Action\n\nIn 2025, an exhibition dedicated to coral and ocean conservation is planned in a gallery or museum in New York or another U.S. city as part of a long-term initiative to raise awareness of reef destruction.\n\nPerformance concept – the exhibition will feature a 3×4-meter aquarium installation, recreating an underwater world with hand-built ceramic sculptures seeded with live corals, sponges, and algae.\n\nThis aquarium will be a centerpiece of the exhibition dedicated to ocean conservation. Visitors will learn about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, how coral reefs impact our lives, and how they can contribute by supporting the installation of ceramic reefs in other regions to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.\n\nAbout Kaith and the Collection\n\nKaith is a ceramic artist whose work bridges art and nature, inspiring people to engage more consciously with the world around them. The \"Reef Memory\" collection reflects her commitment to eco-conscious art and sustainable development, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems and the planet as a whole.\n\nExpanding the \"Reef Memory\" Project: Seeking Partners\n\nTo successfully launch and expand the \"Reef Memory\" project worldwide, we are looking for partners:\n\nDiving companies – to provide equipment and suits for safe coral installation and monthly monitoring.\n\nUnderwater videographers – to capture the project’s monthly progress for social media, exhibitions, and media outreach.\n\nMarine biologists – to conduct scientific observations and publish reports on the impact of ceramic reefs on marine ecosystems.\n\nInvestors and sponsors – to fund new collections and installations in key locations worldwide, including Fiji, the Azores, the Sea of Japan, Bali, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hawaii, the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), Madagascar, the Maldives, the Red Sea (Egypt and Saudi Arabia), Seychelles, Palau, the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Komodo National Park (Indonesia), the Mozambique Channel, French Polynesia, Galway Bay (Ireland), and Sri Lanka.\n\nThese partnerships will help amplify the project’s impact and inspire more people to take part in restoring coral reefs.\n\n💙 Join us and become part of a global initiative to save our oceans! 🌊", "bannerImgData": {}, "projectTwitter": "KateShmerko"}