The exhibit imagines the possibilities of the intertwined fate of humanity and the oceans, wavering between hope and despair, and survival and destruction.
Growing up watching a lot of nature documentaries, it was only natural that Sophia Helena Go would take an interest in marine conservation. But art was also something that fascinated this teen, particularly its importance in sparking emotion and creative action. In 2024, the 15-year old decided to bridge her interest in science and the arts to create an initiative to inspire her classmates and other people in her community.
Go, now 17, shares, “[We learn] a lot about climate change in school and online, and it’s really easy to get pulled into a negative mindset, especially with all the news coming out. But somewhere on the internet, I found solace in that environment of artists, of creative people, because compared to the more informational science aspect, art is a place to draw inspiration and show the positive side of the ocean environment.”
Now with over 100 members, student-led art and science initiative ArtSea Folks recently held its one-day group exhibition “Waters We Share” at The Proscenium at Rockwell in Makati, gathering a cross-school collective of student artists exploring humanity’s connection to the ocean and the creatures within it.
The exhibition featured a collection of artworks in four sections, each with a specific theme. “Ocean of the Future” imagines the possibilities of the intertwined fate of humanity and the oceans, wavering between hope and despair, and survival and destruction. “Tides of Wonder” depicts the vitality of the ocean, not just the creatures who inhabit it, but also fisherfolk, seaside communities, divers and visitors. “Sea Stories” features a tapestry of tales inspired by the depths of the ocean, while “Hidden in Plain Sight” showcases underwater photography capturing extraordinary underwater lives.
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The event also featured Open Water Conversations “Seeing the Sea Differently: Art, Science and the Ocean” by DLSU Shore Center researcher and abstract artist Mau Vardeleon, and “Life Below the Surface: Experiences and Why It Matters,” by underwater photographer Andie Remula.
“The exhibit is our way of making environmental awareness accessible through art. We give our artists the freedom to express what they think, what they believe, what their concerns are, and those usually manifest in very unique and creative voices through their art,” Go elaborates.
ArtSea Folks, which has members ranging from junior high school students to early college level from different high schools and universities in Metro Manila, including De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Xavier School, Poveda Learning Center, Manila Science High School, and more, counts among its ranks student artists, writers, researchers and advocates working at the intersection of art, science and environmental advocacy.
“While the members have diverse interests, ultimately what ArtSea Folks aims to do is inspire environmental awareness, support youth-led advocacy, creativity, and passion for the scientific fields,” Go adds.
The exhibition is only one of the many activities organized by ArtSea Folks since its inception, including several student-led art markets, fundraising for marine conservation, coral restoration efforts, and even partnerships with research institutions to connect students with real-world opportunities like internships and job opportunities in environmental science.
“‘Waters We Share’ is a culmination of what we have been doing for the past two years and a collection of what is important to us, reflecting ArtSea Folks’ belief that young creatives and thinkers can drive meaningful change,” concludes Go.
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