Governors Island : Oyster Reefs

As part of my 2022 LMCC residency at the Art Center on Governors Island in New York, I worked with oysters and marine habitats, capturing the island's landscape using infrared light. This work reflects on the fragility and resilience of the natural world, emphasizing the urgency of ecological restoration.

The Billion Oyster Project's artificial reefs along NYC waterfronts aim to re-wild and protect the city from flood surges. My piece, "Resilient Wall," serves as a metaphor for wave attenuation, waterfront reinforcement, erosion reduction, and fostering marine diversity, symbolizing hope for the restoration of New York Harbor's natural defenses.

For thousands of years, the Indigenous population in the NYC area sustainably harvested oysters, sourcing them from shallow waters. I view tiny oyster shells as sacred, powerful objects that protect shorelines, purify water, and aid in re-wilding New York.

Join me at the open studios on Governors Island on April 30th, from 1-6 pm, to explore this work further.