Beatriz Chachamovits
On water and future dreams
2024
Presented at Scope Art Fair, this collaborative work by Beatriz Chachamovits and Randi Renate is a large-scale, interactive sculpture that evolves through public participation. Beginning nearly bare, the sculpture invited visitors to select a coral and attach it to the steel dome, visually mirroring the process of coral restoration. With each interaction, the piece grew, symbolizing the collective effort required to restore endangered marine ecosystems—just as coral farms, nurseries, and outplanting sites depend on ongoing care and commitment.
As visual artists deeply inspired by the ocean, Beatriz and Randi merge art and science to emphasize the urgency of coral reef restoration. Developed in collaboration with scientists, this sculpture serves as both an educational tool and a call to action, raising awareness about the fragile state of marine ecosystems. Amid the climate crisis, the artwork stands as a powerful statement of environmental stewardship, demonstrating the impact of community-driven conservation efforts.
This project would not be possible without the support from our sponsors: Bridge Initiative, Lois Whitman-Hess, Eliot Hess, Galerie Blue Square, Mary McIntosh, Dan Abele, Shalini Ramanathan, Chris Tomlinson, Jane Wesman, Don Savelson, Art Care Conservation, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Dave Ross, the Mabry Family, the Lirman Family, Juli Berwald and Meyda.
To fabricate the coral components, the artists took part in a month-long residency at Stove Works in Chattanooga, TN, where they cast approximately 650 cement corals. Meanwhile, the steel dome was expertly crafted in Utica, NY, by Meyda Lighting, utilizing a specialized angle laser cut to precisely replicate the spiral design conceived by Randi.
Here is a look on the installation process:
On the final installation day, photographer Camila Smith from Waterlust documented the process, sharing the artists' work across their social media platforms. The project was also featured by the Coral Restoration Foundation and Impact Magazine, highlighting the sculpture’s interactive elements and its broader environmental mission.
