Last Updated on 06/21/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
Striking conceptual photography is once again a major component of Christine Ren’s latest conservation campaign, called Carbonated Ocean
Last time we were in touch with performer, filmmaker, and underwater “artivist” Christine Ren, we had an insightful discussion about her (then) project about ghost fishing titled Silent Killers. Now, she’s back with a new website and another evocative project centered on marine conservation. This time, she zeroes in on climate change’s lesser known evil twin, ocean acidification.
Titled Carbonated Ocean, the project brings to light the main devastating effect of ocean acidification, which causes the coral reefs and skeletons and shells of marine organisms to dissolve. Christine spearheads the art direction and video editing for the project, and also plays the part of an underwater muse, alongside the main victims of ocean acidification. At the helm of the stunning photography that delivers the main message is Chiara Salomoni of Mermaids for Change, a movement that aims to transform the mythical mermaid into an advocate of change. The project was also done in time for this year’s World Oceans Day held n June 8th. We can say it’s a perfect collaboration done for a perfect cause and occasion. The results definitely show it!
In the story video below, Christine tells us more about her latest passion project, explains how ocean acidification happens, and shares some behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot.
From the video, we can see that the underwater set is as simple and straightforward as the message goes. The minimalist shoot is centered on a creative interpretation to convey the effects of elevated CO2 levels in the atmosphere dissolving into the ocean. The two combine and cause a chemical reaction that makes the ocean more acidic. This in turn causes the dissolving that is depicted in some of the shots.
Visit Christine Ren’s new website aptly called The Underwater Woman to learn more about the project and the rest of her other underwater works.
