ABSTRACT
Coral reefs are among the oldest and largest living structures on the planet and the only ones visible from space. As constantly reconstructing holobionts, they are monuments for the concept of becoming-with and for creative agency. Reef-building corals are true architects and construct the most biodiverse ecosystem on earth harbouring about 25% of marine life. However, the current coral bleaching is an alarming indicator that the planet is slowly becoming uninhabitable for many: When corals go extinct, it’s not just one species that is lost, but entire worlds. Many artists raise awareness for the agency of corals and for the current endangerment of these multispecies assemblages. Some recreate corals in immersive installations, seeking to make the animals’ sculptural and worldbuilding capacities tangible through imitation and re-presentation. Others sink artificial reefs into the sea to encourage corals to grow or use storytelling to speculate about coral futures. The works emphasise the shared fragility of all life forms, but also the regenerative powers of corals that may long outlive humanity.
