Urchin Chandelier
Purple Sea urchins, 4-channel sound and light, mini speakers, LEDs, projector, seaweed (sugar kelp), driftwood with piezo speakers, 5 minute loop.
According to Patrick Fogarty of the Irish Wildlife Trust, until “the 1970s the purple sea urchin was once widespread and abundant along the Irish Atlantic coastline.” Over 350 tons were collected in 1976. “Before exploitation it was estimated that one inlet in Galway Bay had 1,600 individuals per m2. Today they are very hard to find.” These particular urchins are left over from research at the Marine Science Institute at NUIG. Occasionally I find parts from urchin shells along the shore but only once have seen a fully intact living species alive and well on the seashore. It is hard to imagine that there could once have been so very many living along our coast.
With this piece, I wanted to bring us closer to our underwater brethren. They are outstandingly beautiful and need to be protected. Only 2.3% of Ireland marine areas are protected and managed for nature conservation, will our few urchins survive?
According to Patrick Fogarty of the Irish Wildlife Trust, until “the 1970s the purple sea urchin was once widespread and abundant along the Irish Atlantic coastline.” Over 350 tons were collected in 1976. “Before exploitation it was estimated that one inlet in Galway Bay had 1,600 individuals per m2. Today they are very hard to find.” These particular urchins are left over from research at the Marine Science Institute at NUIG. Occasionally I find parts from urchin shells along the shore but only once have seen a fully intact living species alive and well on the seashore. It is hard to imagine that there could once have been so very many living along our coast.
With this piece, I wanted to bring us closer to our underwater brethren. They are outstandingly beautiful and need to be protected. Only 2.3% of Ireland marine areas are protected and managed for nature conservation, will our few urchins survive?
