Between destruction and hope underwater

Historical coral images are brought to life: renowned Australian artist Janet Laurence (born 1947) created a large installation based on coral photographs by Alfred Ehrhardt (1901-1984) from the 1930s and 1940s. The photographs were printed on extremely light silk voile fabrics, which hang from the ceiling and move with the slightest air currents, evoking images of waves. Laurence emphasizes the beauty, vitality, and fragility of the sea, and in particular the endangered coral reefs, which are home to thousands of species. With her work, the artist urgently draws attention to the pressing ecological crisis, as only a third of the world's coral reefs are still in good condition. Laurence conveys this message through a display case installation featuring bleached coral, but also with hope for the revival and preservation of the reefs. Laurence developed her installation specifically for the Alfred Ehrhardt Foundation, where it will be on display until September 7 as part of the exhibition Janet Laurence: The Burnt Sea.

In her immersive works, Janet Laurence explores humanity's often contradictory relationship with nature and the threat posed by climate change. The current exhibition navigates between the states of loss, care, and consolation, inviting viewers to understand the vulnerability of nature not only as a warning but also as an inspiration for responsible action. Laurence's works, which include photography, sculpture, and video, are held in numerous public collections, primarily in Australia, and in private collections worldwide.

Alfred Ehrhardt was a German painter, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. His abstract photographs established his reputation as an avant-garde photographer. The corals whose photographic images formed the basis for Laurence's installation were destroyed during the bombing of Hamburg in World War II.