Austria’s largest coral reef
Schlossmuseum Linz, AT
05.10.23 – 02.04.24

Crocheted Seas and Other Abstractions - a collaborative project by CHRISTINE & MARGARET WERTHEIM and the Institute For Figuring inspired by mathematics and climate change.

Coral reefs with their bright colors, intricate shapes and rippling surfaces, but also their global disappearance are the central theme of the sisters Margaret and Christine Wertheim, who live in Los Angeles/USA. As science writers and artists, they analyze the aesthetics of mathematical theories and biological phenomena in relation to climate change. The beauty of marine ecosystems and their complex geometric structures are translated into the Wertheims' works using the traditional technique of crochet.

Her project "Crochet Coral Reef" has received worldwide attention and was shown at the Venice Biennale, among others. With the participation of over 1,000 dedicated crocheters, Austria's largest coral reef has been created in recent months. It can be seen in dialogue with the natural science collection in the Schlossmuseum Linz and, together with the "satellite reefs" created so far in 50 cities and countries, forms a global reef network made of wool.

Inspired by traditional Austrian handicrafts, such as gold hood embroidery, cross stitch or blue printing, contributions in the colors black, gold, red, blue and white were created in particular. Geologically, the artworks created collaboratively by the Wertheims refer to the primordial sea, the remains of which can still be found in the basins and Alps of Upper Austria. http://crochetcoralreef.org

Coral Reef Team: Petra Fohringer, Romina Dodic Szepe, Petra Hansche, Gabriele Kainberger, Sandra Kratochwill, Genoveva Rückert.

OPENING HOURS
Tue – Sun, Holidays 10 – 18 h

Crochet cafes, info, dates and crochet tutorials at www.ooekultur.at/korallenriff

More information: Austria's largest coral reef - ooekultur.at