Choral, Art on theMART (2022)

Producer and lead digital 3D artist — Marlena Novak

producer and sound designer/composer — Jay Alan Yim

assistant producer and digital 3D artist — Mak Hepler-Gonzalez

contributing 3D artists—Nathaniel Gillette, Malu Ayers, Snow Shinuo Xu, Max Crider.

localStyle’s project Choral regards coral reefs as the metaphorical ‘voice’ of the Anthropocene, hence the title (and the soundtrack’s otherworldly electronic choir). Although our computerized 3D visualization of various corals is initially grounded in scientific research, some of their behavior reflects our imagination via speculative underwater world-building. The habitats that corals create are fundamental to the sustainability of a quarter of all marine species—as well as the livelihoods of 500 million people around the planet—but these ecosystems are in crisis. Add to this the fact that reefs provide coastal protection from storms and that they are rich sources of advanced medical discoveries, and their value multiplies. Despite major challenges, there are possibilities for fostering coral regeneration and recovery, and reason thus for guarded optimism. The artists hope that the public will be engaged by the beauty and charisma of these creatures and that it will lead them to greater appreciation for ocean conservation efforts.

Video documentation by Margo Hawk

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