Admire 1,001 unique ceramic sea turtles molded entirely by hand

Returning after 12 days and nights of directly participating in the rescue and conservation of sea turtles in Con Dao, Master of Fine Arts - sculptor Cao Thanh Tha has cherished the idea of ​​carrying out an art project with the support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to join hands in the communication work of sea turtle conservation and the marine environment.

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the Exhibition on June 15. (Photo: Vi Vi)

On June 15, the Phieu installation art exhibition with 1,001 hand-molded ceramic sea turtles by artist Cao Thanh Tha was officially opened at the Hanoi Information & Exhibition Center (93 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem), sending a message about the need to join hands to conserve sea turtles, conserve marine biodiversity, and respond to World Sea Turtle Day (June 16).

The number 1,001 includes 1,000 eggs, baby sea turtles and 1 adult female turtle returning to the place where they were born to lay eggs after overcoming the deep ocean vortexes with many dangers and continuing a new life.

It is known that this is a record number that no artist has ever done before. However, this number was not chosen by the author to create a record, but more deeply it comes from the very low survival rate of 1/1000 of sea turtles, as well as the alarming risk of extinction of the animal species listed in the IUCN Red List.

The number 1,001 includes 1,000 eggs, baby sea turtles and 1 adult female turtle returning to the place where she was born to lay eggs. (Photo: Vi Vi)

Through the Exhibition, artist Cao Thanh Tha sends to the public the story of the sea turtle's adventure from birth to when it is immersed in the ocean, starting its days of playing on ocean currents and drifting on the ocean.

The exhibition includes 6 art installations with the names: Beautiful Ocean - Real Space - Future , Ocean Currents , Underwater Vortex , Dawn - Sunset - Darkness , Return and interesting interactive and experiential activities.

Artist Cao Thanh Tha shared that this is not only an art event but also a call to action, encouraging each individual to join hands in protecting the marine environment. Each work of art is a reminder of our responsibility towards the planet and the creatures that live on it.

The exhibition Phieu with artist Cao Thanh Tha is a commitment to artistic sculpture and ceramics. Before this exhibition, she was mainly an applied sculptor and a production manager for park and theme decoration projects. She had never tried ceramics - a material that is not "easy to please".

Beautiful installation space at the "Phieu" Exhibition. (Photo: Vi Vi)

Sea turtles are a fundamental link in the marine ecosystem. They help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which in turn benefit commercially valuable species such as shrimp, lobster and tuna. Sea turtles first appeared on Earth about 200 million years ago. When dinosaurs became extinct 100 million years later, sea turtles survived thanks to their ability to adapt to the ocean environment and have survived to this day.

However, this ancient creature, a living fossil that has existed for millions of years, is facing serious decline due to human activities and the threat of global climate change.

Currently, only 40% - 50% of sea turtles born on the beach can survive to the ocean. And only 1/1,000 sea turtles can survive to return to the place where they were born to lay eggs and create a new life.

There are currently 7 recorded species of sea turtles in the world, of which Vietnam has 5 species. They are all classified as rare animals, at risk of extinction globally and are receiving special attention from many countries around the world.

Visitors enjoy experiencing and interacting at the Exhibition. (Photo: Vi Vi)

Over the past 200 years, human activity has overwhelmed these ancient “seafarers.” Killed for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells, sea turtles have suffered from poaching and overharvesting. They also face habitat degradation and unintentional harvesting.

Climate change is affecting sea turtle nesting areas, changing sand temperatures, and influencing the sex of hatchlings. Nearly all turtle species are at risk of extinction, with three of the seven species now critically endangered.

Master of Fine Arts - sculptor Cao Thanh Tha has participated in community art projects aimed at protecting the marine environment. Since 2018, the female artist has participated in many art projects across the seas of Vietnam.

These include: Artistic creation camp project from waste and styrofoam buoys in Bai Tu Long Bay (Quang Ninh) in 2018; Floating Ocean project on land from waste on the island for Hon Cau island conservation area (Binh Thuan) in 2019...

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chiem-nguong-1001-rua-bien-bang-gom-doc-dao-duoc-nan-hoan-toan-bang-tay-275085.html