PHIBS: "My mural hopes to give a sense of urgency and raise awareness of the damage and impact we are having on our reefs and oceans. It's only a matter of time before irreversible damage is done and a whole ecosystem could be potentially wiped out if not severely affected. It is up to all of us to protect and care for the world around us by making some fundamental changes to the way we think and live. Overfishing, pollution (especially plastic) and a rise in ocean temperatures are just some of the leading key factors affecting our oceans today.
The thoughtless impact we have on our oceans will inevitably effect us all in the long run. Everything is connected including us. The coral trout is also present in the mural. A stunningly beautiful fish that is also at risk of being overfished. Phibs: I have been obsessed with the ocean and its life from a young age and had dreams of being a marine biologist once upon a time. Being an artist, the ocean has been a constant inspiration and fascination. An alien world here on our own planet with secrets still to be discovered. It saddens me to see how the human race has lost its connection to mother earth and all the creatures that we share this amazing, beautiful world with. Greed, money, and lack of care in this so-called modern world seems to win out every time. It's sad to think that only once it's gone will we truly know what a huge mistake we have made."
Sea Walls Australia is a groundbreaking public art program that brings the message of ocean conservation and environmental stewardship into streets around the country.
PHIBS is a National artist from Sydney, New South Wales that was involved in the 2018 Sea Walls festival in Cairns.