


Tears of Galapagos
By Yena Lee
A sculpture highlighting the impact of ocean pollution and the resilience of marine ecosystems.
Tears of Galapagos captures the emotional and environmental toll of plastic waste in the ocean. The sculpture shows a sea turtle entangled in plastic, surrounded by broken coral, seaweed, and scattered debris. Clay and acrylic paint were used to create sharp textures and a color palette of deep blues, greens, and reds, representing the suffering of the sea turtle and environmental damage.
Focused on environmental science, the piece illustrates the concept of ecological resilience, or the ability of natural systems to recover from harm. Marine species like sea turtles serve as bioindicators, reflecting the condition and stability of entire ecosystems. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten their survival, yet recovery is still possible through conservation and awareness. The artwork aims to show that even small changes in daily habits, like reducing plastic use, can help protect ocean life. Therefore, the piece blends scientific understanding with emotional impact to inspire stronger care for the planet and its oceans.
