Salted Edges: Where the Land Sighs, Dissolving into the Ocean

Janet Bellotto, Zayed University

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

Cities Research Series

Publication Date

2-15-2025

Abstract

Along the margins of islands, where the realms above and below water meet, the ocean spills its contents, regurgitating human refuse and warming waters spell doom for coral reefs. The Future Islands project, using field research, asks how artist’s processes such as documentation and analysis can be used to study the island edges and their aquatic habitats across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Field research presented in this chapter underscores the urgency for conservation and revitalization of archipelagos and cays, focusing on the critical roles of art and artists in addressing this. The focus on reefs as omens of broader ecological shifts serves as early warning systems for ocean health and impact of rising sea levels. The creation of sculptural forms from seaside debris—shells, corals, and remnants—is a meditation on nature's resilience and adaptability. The artworks invite viewers to envision alternate ecosystems, symbolizing diverse possibilities for ecological resilience amid marine fragility. This allows for awareness and discussion of possible future solutions to the climate crisis. The ever-changing sea edge, retreating and returning, blurring its ancient boundaries and urging a deeper reflection on the relationship with islands and the enduring resilience of the ocean.

ISBN

978-981-96-0356-5, 978-981-96-0357-2

ISSN

2662-4850

Publisher

Springer Nature Singapore

First Page

25

Last Page

48

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities

Indexed in Scopus

no

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

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