Treasures

by Mantra

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – December 2019

Artist

Finding This Mural

Silver Bay Parking, Christiansted, St. Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands

Google Map

Story Behind This Mural

Artist Statement

"Since millions of years ago, wave after wave, the ocean and earth have maintained a unique discussion; following tides and hurricane rhythms, shores receive dead corals and animals, shells and minerals. The result of the marvelous life cycle where, like respiration, a dead giant conch offers shelter to the hermit crab and nutrients from fish carcasses sustain mangrove butterflies. Our capacity to develop a sensitive relationship with the sea is universal, making memories of collecting shells on the beach, falling in love with their colors and shapes, and being mesmerized by hearing the ocean's voice in our ears. Among all those tiny treasures revealed from those underwater memories, trash and plastic join them, offering a surreal vision. From reefs to the mysterious deep waters, shores witness and reveal whispers of the surrounding aquatic world, screaming testimonials of a strange epoch where mermaid dreams are slowly fading away, and white underwater deserts are becoming a reality. Such beautiful details teach us how significant upcoming challenges are, as the sea is showing us how generous she is every moment we're standing, eyes open, contemplating it."