vanessa barragão’s ‘coral garden’ addresses effects of the textile industry on the coral reefs

vanessa barragão debuts ‘coral garden’ to address the high degree of pollution brought on by the textile industry. the industrial machinery requires tons of energy while generating massive amounts of textile waste. it is extremely harmful on the planet as it affects all of its ecosystems, particularly the ocean which absorbs 90% of atmospheric pollution. one of the most vital environments affected is the coral reefs. these complex living organisms are the heart of an immense habitat of marine species which depend on one another to survive. without this foundation, a major part of sea life will approach extinction, ultimately affecting all ecosystems across the planet.

images courtesy of studio vanessa barragão

the art installation entitled ‘coral garden’ responds to this condition and how it is deeply affecting the coral reef ecosystem. barragão stresses the necessity for upcycling and conscious production methods in the endeavor to counteract this damage. all the materials used are drawn from the deadstock of an artisanal rugs factory in beiriz, portugal. the waste product is first cleaned and then selected for reuse. the artist strives for her methods of production to be as environmentally friendly as possible, using such ancestral handcrafting techniques as latch hooking, hand-tufting, embroidering, felting and crocheting, in the creation of her work.

while comprising entirely upcycled textiles and handcrafted methods of production, the installation visually demonstrates the effects of pollution on the reefs. the larger tapestry portrays coral motifs in a gradation from rich, vibrant hues toward desaturated shades of white. this pallet suggests the unprecedented mass coral bleaching in the great barrier reef. this bleaching is the coral’s response to a raise in water temperature, during which the algae living in its tissues is expelled, causing the coral to turn completely white. the australian design team jack + huei recently spoke out about coral bleaching in response to the 2019 PANTONE color of the year.