A crocheted coral reef − project for an exhibition invites participation

The oceans face many threats such as plastic waste, oil spills and higher temperatures. Corals in particular, which provide habitat for countless species of fish and other marine life, are sensitive to change. And the steadily increasing carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere is also fatal for the oceans: Carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, causing the pH value to drop. The water becomes more acidic and attacks the calcareous shells of mussels and corals.

To draw attention to the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, Australian artist sisters Margaret and Christine Wertheim created Crochet Coral Reef, crocheted coral reefs that were displayed at the 2019 Venice Biennale and other events. Starting in January 2022, the large, artistic crochet works will be exhibited at the Museum Frieder Burda in Baden Baden − complemented by a new reef, to which everyone is invited to contribute their own crocheted corals.

The artists were inspired to create their new reef by Pinnacle Reef. This is a 500 meter high part of the Great Barrier Reef that was newly discovered just a year ago. For each crocheted coral sent in, the sponsor Energie Baden-Württemberg AG will transfer an amount to Sea Shepherd Germany, who are working to protect the oceans. By mid-October, about 9,000 corals had been sent in, and the museum is asking for more submissions to help design the reef. The deadline for entries is November 30, 2021. More information, including simple crochet instructions, is available at the museum's website.