THE JEWELS OF THE SEA

All around us, in both saltwater and freshwater, diatoms—the microscopic organisms essential to life—quietly flourish. Though invisible to the naked eye, they play a vital role in producing oxygen and sustaining marine and freshwater ecosystems. Often overlooked, diatoms are fundamental to the balance of life on Earth, and this project aims to bring their beauty and importance into focus.

Through a combination of art and science, I extend an invitation to explore the world of diatoms and reconnect with the natural environment. By celebrating these tiny organisms, I seek to foster a deeper awareness of their crucial contributions and inspire a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE JEWELS OF THE SEA

– An interactive hands-on workshop where participants create their own diatom-inspired pieces that they can wear as jewellery. These wearable sculptures will be crafted in a manner similar to the original sculpture components of the art installation. A key element of this workshop, is the opening and closing mindful breathing exercise, where participants are encouraged to psychologically connect and practice gratitude to these little beings. This mindfulness practice aims to deepen the participants’ connection to nature while fostering an appreciation for the often-overlooked organisms that sustain life on Earth.

– An aesthetic experience through an art installation consisting of sculptures, sound art compositions and paintings. 

ART & SCIENCE COLLABORATION

The Jewels of the Sea collaborates with scientific institutions, such as the Kröger lab at the B-Cube in the TU Dresden, where the project has already participated in two editions of the Long Night of Sciences (2023-2024). This partnership aims to tickle people’s curiosity in these beings, disseminate scientific content and attract younger audiences to encourage them to explore potential careers in scientific research by combining the beauty of art with the wonder of diatom biology.

By presenting this project in collaboration with diatom research labs, the project not only highlights the significance of diatoms but also serves as a bridge between the public and the scientific community, fostering greater awareness of ecological and environmental sciences.

WHO ARE THE DIATOMS?

The diatoms are a group of microscopic, single-celled algae found in oceans, freshwater, and soils. There are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 species of diatoms, constituting one of the most diverse groups of algae and are found in a wide range of aquatic environments, from oceans and rivers to lakes and even damp soil. These microorganisms play a critical role in global ecological processes, producing nearly one-fifth of the oxygen we breathe and forming the base of marine food chains.

Diatoms under microscope. Image by Richard Bartz, Munich [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons.

They have complex, silica-based cell walls called frustules, which display unique, geometric patterns, making them both scientifically significant and aesthetically captivating. Their frustules, not only serve as a key part of the marine ecosystem but also contribute to nutrient cycles on land. For instance, diatom frustules from the former ocean floor in the Sahara Desert are carried by air currents to the Amazon rainforest, where they help fertilize the soil, showcasing the Earth’s remarkable interconnected natural systems. Their existence supports life on multiple levels, from microscopic organisms to vast ecosystems.

Frustule of diatom algae Amphora. Image by Frank Fox [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.