Welded Steel

Location: Bang Bao Bay, Koh Kood Island, Thailand

600 x 400 x 200cm x 4, 2020

In 2020, Océane was invited to construct a site-specific underwater sculptural coral sanctuary in Koh Kood, Thailand, where she worked alongside a team of scuba divers and conservationists. As a passionate scuba diver and certified PADI Dive Master, Océane studied the health of the local fauna to determine which coral species to meticulously collect to promote biodiversity in the coral sanctuary whilst avoiding invasive species. The coral samples were carefully incubated in a ‘Coral Nursery’ by the sculptures under ideal conditions until stable enough to be planted permanently on the sculptural sanctuary. 

 

Although the residency had to be cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Océane managed to successfully construct and install four monumental manta rays underwater. Since 2020, corals from the Nursery have been successfully planted onto Océane’s sculptures. Three years on, both flora and fauna can be seen thriving around the sculptures. From corals to sponges, squat lobsters to clown fish, life has taken over Left Among the Few. 

 

Both snorkelers and divers are invited to visit the permanent public installation and contemplate the importance coral colonies hold in the stability and preservation of the global ocean ecosystems. After all, corals are home to almost 25% of all known marine species.