A London-based artist for the past four years Josh Gluckstein has highlighted the potential of an everyday material – recycled cardboard – to bring animal sculptures to life (previously). In his most recent piece, ‘Reef’, he expands individual portraits to create a meticulously detailed eight-foot marine habitat teeming with a variety of fish and coral.
“Ten years ago I fell in love with diving and was amazed that there was a whole new world to discover underwater,” says Gluckstein. “I wanted to bring that experience to life on dry land.”
Gluckstein was invited to participate Gay Faber 2024 in Venice, which this year has the theme ‘The Journey of Life’. Under the work of more than 400 artisans from around the world, “Reef” is Gluckstein’s most ambitious piece to date, featuring more than 50 different marine species.
Sea turtles, an octopus, clownfish and a blue-spotted ray are among the creatures swimming around a column of coral. “The piece celebrates the wonder and rich biodiversity of our oceans, while raising awareness of the fragility and challenges facing our marine life,” says Gluckstein.
Gay Faber 2024 continues through September 30. Find more information about the artist website And Instagram.
You can also enjoy Ghost Net Collective’s marine animal sculptures, made from the salvaged ocean debris that endangers them.
