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"Evil Bleach"

Artwork

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Visual and Performing Arts

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Provided by Sea Walls
Open Resource

What it is

  • This brightly colored mural by artist Daniel Wallwork depicts a deep-sea diver touching corals that are becoming bleached. 
  • In his artist statement, Wallwork explains that his mural was inspired by old-fashioned horror movie posters.
  • The mural is located in Queensland, Australia, where coral bleaching has significantly affected the Great Barrier Reef.

Teaching tips

Positives

  • This vibrant mural uses bold colors and a lively font to convey the message about the dangers of coral bleaching.
  • Students can read the artist's statement for some background information about the artist's thought process.

Additional Prerequisites

  • Students should be familiar with coral bleaching, how it is caused, and what can prevent it.

Differentiation

  • Art teachers could show older students a variety of old-fashioned horror movie posters and have them discuss the elements that Daniel Wallwork used in his mural.
  • Younger students could name the different living things they see in the mural and discuss what would happen if a species were to disappear from the marine ecosystem. 
  • Other resources on this topic include this interactive video lesson on coral bleaching, this PBS video on how to save coral reefs, and this mural depicting the effort to restore coral reefs. 

From the scientist review

The resource is an artwork, inspiring students to explore opportunities for coral reef and marine resources conservation. This is recommended for teaching.
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