Vi Girgis
Ken Yonetani
Sweet Barrier Reef
2005
White sugar, icing sugar, polystyrene foam
600 x 1200 x 160cm
Installation view Adelaide Biennial, 2008
Courtesy and copyright of the artist
This is an artwork by Ken Yonetani.
It is large and white and very sugary.
It looks like a sparse and lonely ocean floor,
With some beautiful coral shapes, and not much more.
But why is everything so bleached and white?
Shouldn’t this seascape be colourful and bright?
Why, it’s a warning from Mr. Yonetani;
To take care of our environment, including the sea.
For if we do not, the colours will disappear
And we will be left with the deathly whiteness you see here.
Though the elegance of this sweet work will truly amaze,
Remember its important message as upon it, you gaze;
To be kind and thoughtful to nature and all its creations,
So that the earth’s wonders can be enjoyed by future generations.