Akari Fu

For Palette Beneath the Waves, I wanted to explore the beauty and complexity of the ocean’s depths by focusing on four distinct colours — Aqua, Amaranth, Amber, and Amethyst — each representing a different facet of the marine world. This project combines artistic expression with a scientific approach, drawing inspiration from the natural world, specifically the colour variations found in aquatic environments.

In terms of artistic components, the piece is a series of carefully chosen hues that evoke specific emotions and sensations associated with the ocean. Aqua, a fresh blue, draws attention from the shallow, sunlit waters toward the transition into the mysterious, deeper blue depths. Amaranth, a vibrant, unnatural reddish-pink, manifests in the vivid hues of coral reefs and striking creatures like lionfish. Amber, a warm blend of yellow and orange, reflects the glow of clownfish as they swim amidst their anemone homes, evoking a sense of life and energy. Finally, Amethyst, a deep rich purple, embodies the enigmatic nature of the ocean’s depths, encouraging contemplation of its vast, unknown expanse. The balance of these colours aims to provide a serene yet dynamic representation of the underwater world, utilizing light and contrast to guide the viewer’s attention.

The scientific principles behind Palette Beneath the Waves draw from the study of marine biology and oceanography. The colours chosen align with the natural gradients of the ocean, which shift from bright, sunlit shallows to the darker, deeper regions of the sea. The varying saturation and tone of each colour reflect the different zones of the ocean, from the brightly lit surface to the shadowy, unexplored depths.

I aim to create an immersive experience that invites viewers to appreciate the subtleties of the ocean’s colour palette and, by extension, the complexities of marine life and ecosystems. Each colour tells a different part of the ocean’s story, offering a sense of the dynamic processes that shape life beneath the waves.