Aude Borgine’s 'Lungs of the Ocean': Advocating for Life Below Water Through Art

French artist Aude Borgine's captivating series Lungs of the Ocean is a reminder of the fragile beauty and importance of coral life in oceans. She employs meticulous craftsmanship of different materials such as beads, wires and plastic along with her commitment to environmental advocacy, to create sculptures that evoke a sense of wonder. This, in turn, helps to put coral welfare at the top of people’s minds, as many have lost their wondrous quality in real life. This is why Lungs of the Ocean by Aude Borgine is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life Below Water.

The Lungs of the Ocean is a series of whimsical coral sculptures crafted from beads, textiles, wires and sequins, which capture the essence of coral reefs with remarkable precision. Each sculpture mimics their unique shapes, intricate textures and the vibrant colours of living coral. They invite viewers to marvel at their beauty while reflecting on real-life coral’s vulnerability. This happens because each piece has been encased in glass bell jars, simultaneously making them objects to wonder at and symbols of the real-life protection they require. It is as if the glass bell jars shield them from the harm caused by human hands.

Through these pieces, Borgine draws attention to the alarming decline of coral reefs worldwide—a crisis that poses significant threats to marine biodiversity, coastal communities and the global ecosystem. According to the 2022 release of the IUCN Red List, more than half of the world’s reef-building coral species are either threatened or near threatened. The conservation status of these organisms continues to deteriorate, with a growing number of species classified as critically endangered or endangered.

Borgine's sculptures visually represent this crisis, amplifying the urgency for individual action to safeguard coral reefs and marine habitats. This can also be seen in how certain pieces are either entirely white or partially white. These particular sculptures represent bleached corals and those that are starting to, a condition where all the organisms that create a single coral have died, leaving behind its bare white bones. Again, these pieces raise awareness and inspire empathy through art, hoping to spark a collective desire to protect and preserve coral reefs for future generations.

The symbolism behind the series’ title Lungs of the Ocean also extends beyond its aesthetic appeal as certain pieces physically resemble human lungs. Our oceans are often called the "lungs of the planet," as they are vital to regulating the Earth's climate and supporting marine life. Coral reefs, in particular, are often described as the "rainforests of the sea," as they harbour unparalleled biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. However, human activities such as overfishing, pollution and climate change have placed immense pressure on marine ecosystems, threatening their resilience and long-term survival. Here again, Borgine's sculptures are a crucial reminder of the consequences of climate inaction. They urge viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and consider the impact of their choices on life below water.

As Borgine's sculptures captivate audiences worldwide, they are powerful witnesses to the transformative potential of art in fostering empathy. They inspire action and advocate for positive change for oceans and coral reefs. In doing so, she offers hope for a future where oceans thrive and coral reefs flourish once again.

Find out more about coral reef sculptures and other initiatives by Aude Borgine on her website www.audebourgine.fr or Instagram @aude_bourgine.