Every third breath we take comes from the ocean. This artwork is a play on the juxtaposition between corals which create breath, and fire that devours it. The unrealistic imagery of an underwater scene on fire causes a certain unease in the viewer, as a reminder of what is being created by our undersea environments, and how detrimental it could be if we don’t act to protect them.
Kaiʻili Kaulukukui
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About the Artist
Kai Kaulukukui
Kai'ili Kaulukukui is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) artist, painter, and muralist born on Hawaii Island in 1981. He draws inspiration from the island's living forests, abundant reef formations, and the energy of the volcano. His work reflects the deep respect for nature and Hawaiian culture instilled in him by elders during his childhood.
Kai pursued fine art at Windward Community College and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and his classical training in oil painting is evident in his work. He currently operates out of his private studio in Puna and Lana Lane Studios in Kaka'ako, Honolulu.
In addition to being an accomplished muralist with work spanning across Hawaii, California, St. Croix USVI, the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Nepal, China, and Hungary, Kai also holds a position as the Ground Operations Manager for the PangeaSeed Foundation's Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans public art program since 2013. The program aims to spread the message of ocean conservation through art on streets around the world.
Impacts of climate change on our oceans, such as rising sea temperatures and acidification, devastate fragile coral reef ecosystems and disrupt sensitive processes that regulate the global climate.