Disappearance

About the Project

Oceans, vast and enigmatic, have long been home to an array of diverse and thriving species; yet they now face an unprecedented crisis. Despite covering 70% of the Earth's surface, our oceans remain largely unexplored, with 91% of species unidentified and 95% of the ocean depths still shrouded in mystery.

This awe-inspiring ecosystem is rapidly fading, falling victim to the detrimental impacts of human activity including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The precise count of oceanic species eludes us, but research unequivocally signals a steep decline in biodiversity.

Inspiration & Approach

"Disappearance" ventures into the depths of James M. Sommerville's poignant painting Ocean Life, drawing inspiration from his portrayal of marine landscapes. Through Augmented Reality, this visualization offers a glimpse into the grim reality of our oceans' demise; layering data-driven narrative on top of the historic artwork to reveal what is being lost.

Pollution, rising temperatures, and unsustainable fishing practices have pushed marine ecosystems beyond their limits, outpacing the ability of species to adapt to the changing environment. The work makes this invisible crisis visible and immediate.

The AR Experience

To experience the work, viewers download the Artivive App on their mobile device and scan the printed image; activating an augmented reality layer that reveals the data visualization animating the scene. The still image comes to life, telling the story of disappearing ocean species through motion, data, and visual narrative.

Re:D Magazine

Disappearance was published in Re:D Magazine; a publication by The New School featuring emerging work at the intersection of research, design, and social impact.