UN World Ocean Conference
June 28, 2022- July 1, 2022
Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva Science Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
Vanishing Point: Glass Octopus was exhibited at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, aims to address deep-rooted problems in our society that threaten our oceans, and to discuss sustainable solutions for long-lasting change.
The deep-sea is a treasure trove of mystery, and full of endless potential for discovery. One such creature of the deep-sea is the Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi), named for its nearly-transparent body. With the Ocean Conference in mind, and environmentalism at the core of his work, Terasaki has created a piece entitled Vanishing Point: Glass Octopus which aims to juxtapose the discovery and disappearance of life in the deep-sea by printing the same image with gradually decreasing opacities.
This project is also a response to the deep-sea mining bill that will be discussed at the UN later this year, the results of which will have far-reaching implications for delicate marine ecosystems. Viewing these panels from multiple perspectives is a way of visualizing loss while simultaneously envisioning the steps to restoring a hopeful, healthy natural world in order to survive.
Image:
Vanishing Point: Glass Octopus, 2022, acrylic on plexiglass, wood base, 17” x 28" x 37.5”
Original image courtesy of Schmidt Ocean Institute