Pipilotti Rist brought coral bleaching to light
Corals provide habitat to a quarter of all marine life, but they are threatened: hidden under the surface of the water, the reefs die more and more each day. In association with the WWF, world-famous Swiss video artist Pipilotti Rist drew attention to this barely visible disaster. The result was stunning: a colorful explosion of light and image projections in water.
A silent death
Coral reefs are a nursery for a quarter of all marine fish. In them we can find species that play an essential role in our diet. If corals continue to disappear, the main source of food and income for more than 800 million people on our planet will be severely affected and vast areas of seabed will be lost.
Strong commitment to the rescue
While 2018 is the international year of the reef, we do not need such a reminder to make the protection of corals a full priority. We are working hard to preserve corals for future generations.
With our scientific partners, we are identifying coral reef areas with the best chances of survival. The WWF then promotes the creation of new marine reserves in these areas, fights against destructive fishing methods, is committed to combating climate change and influences policies affecting seas and fisheries.
Pipilotti Rist’s personal experience with corals
"If this much forest was burning down somewhere in the world, we would have been there long ago to stop the fire and save what could still be saved."
More than 20 years ago Rist went for a diving holiday. The unique underwater realm captivated her with its vivid colors, countless imaginary shapes, nimble fish and gentle movements.
Thrilled with anticipation, she recently went diving again for one of her projects. She was deeply shocked by what she saw: the corals were dying. Silently and barely noticed by human beings, their colours are fading. The underwater world is losing its wonderland. Insidiously in the oceans’ depths, what has taken centuries to grow is being destroyed within a very short time by rising sea temperatures, water pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing methods.
Pipilotti Rist is shocked and wants to become active: she wants to know what she can personally do to protect this colourful underwater world so essential to life. Together with the WWF, she brings the reefs to you, enabling you to immerse yourself in the magic of the sea and turn yourself into a coral.
Pipilotti Rist's surprise - a medal made of sea waste.
Making-Of-Video
© Toi comme le corail symbiotique, Pipilotti Rist für den WWF Schweiz, 2018, Bern. Crew: videocompany.ch // Musik: Zeitloses Säuerli (Gruss vom Walensee/Bräker/Rist), Hermano de mi madre – versión lenta (Rohrer/Rist)
What you can do
We are all part of this planet and we are all connected to each other. Our Earth is too beautiful and too valuable to be ruthlessly wrecked. We have the wherewithal – through our values, our words and our actions. Together we can also save our home for future generations. Follow Pipilotti Rist's courageous commitment and become active for the corals:
