For some, it’s a childhood memory—salt in the hair, waves lapping at the edge of joy. For others, it’s a reminder of fragility, of beauty vanishing beneath rising tides.
This MPA Day, under the theme “Ocean protection needs human connection,”
we turn to 11 multidisciplinary artists—illustrators, photographers, curators, graffiti artists, fine artists, painters, creative designers, authors, graphic designers, and animators—each exploring the emotional terrain that the ocean stirs within them and their work.
Through these varied creative lenses, we’re reminded that marine protection is not just a scientific or political issue. It’s an expression of care, of memory, and of belonging—a deeply human call to defend what we cannot bear to lose.
#MPACreativeWaves
"I have always wanted to show the diversity of life that can be found in our oceans, and celebrate the connections within ecosystems that are so important for their future."
"Art is a powerful tool to create an emotional connection: to generate a reason in people's willingness and hearts to change practices and attitudes."
"I am, after all, just a small body of water, in fluid connection to the global currents, and able to breathe thanks to the minute plankton and underwater meadows tirelessly oxygenating the Earth’s atmosphere."
"Art invites people into the story emotionally. It turns policy into poetry, data into colour, and ideas into movements. When we create from the heart, we build a bridge — between the sea and the people who must protect it."
"For me, the ocean is a source of inspiration, tranquility and innate power. Sometimes, the inspiration will be quite literal, and at other times, I keep the feeling of the ocean close to heart when I paint."
"I have had many personal experiences with the ocean. From sea fishing with my father as a very young boy, to exploring the sea shores, to surfing, these activities have shaped my art."
"My art is an invitation to both experience the natural beauty of the underwater world as well as ignite a desire to protect it."
"I believe there is a need to engage both the heart and the mind in the conversation on marine protection. As a point of intersection between makers and audiences, art is a vast space in which to creatively consider, transmit and conjure emotions as well as ideas."
"Art touches the soul and the ocean (water) is deeply symbolic. Using art to reach people in a meaningful way is an important tool in awareness and education."
"Art is the bridge to translate science into human stories. Those connections are relatable to the general public. Art is a universal translator that has the power to move people into change."
"For me, there is no greater artist than nature herself. Every morning, as a fine art photographer, I see a new canvas welcome the day and another unique one bid it farewell."
© Chris Fallows