Underwater Child

In 2019, I completed the project Underwater Child in Kristiansand, Norway: a mural and illustration created in collaboration with Mint Street Art Gallery and Sea Invaders, a non-profit organization that uses art to raise children's awareness of the impact of plastic pollution in the oceans.

The artwork depicts a child swimming carefree through the underwater world and having a curious encounter with a seahorse. Only upon a second glance does it become clear that the seahorse is holding on to a cotton swab.

This artwork is inspired by the iconic photo taken by Justin Hofman in 2017, which drew worldwide attention to the impact of plastic waste on marine life. In my interpretation, I have incorporated this poignant image into a story from a child’s perspective. The contrast between the wonder of the underwater world and the presence of human waste makes the message all the more powerful. 

With Underwater Child, I wanted both children and adults to reflect on the vulnerability of our oceans. Art can make a complex environmental issue visible in an accessible way, thus contributing to awareness and change.

The paint for this project was sponsored by HobbyHimmelen Kristiansand, for which I am grateful.