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What happens when a local non-profit, Blue Missions, sets out to educate the public about local water issues? Not your typical public awareness billboard.
The organization recently unveiled a public art exhibit that blends talented young creatives, augmented reality technology, and public officeholders to demand attention in different dimensions for the sake of clean water.
Brought to life by the creatives at Vaco Studio and Sunken Blimp, the installation was approved by the Coral Gables City Commission as part of the city’s Art in Public Places program. It features a hanging cylindrical “well” adorned with illustrations by Miami artist Nic Vasquez.
When standing underneath it and scanning the QR code, onlookers are taken on an augmented reality exploration of the water cycle, transporting them to the South Florida wetlands without leaving Coral Gables.
“This valuable resource is often overlooked or taken for granted and we all have a role to play in protecting it so that it can continue to give life to future generations,” said Leslie Ramos, CEO at Blue Missions Group.
The idea behind this concept was the brainchild of Ramos who has been serving creatively with Blue Missions since 2015.
“I saw other public art displays that gained traction in person and online and thought this medium is such an untapped tool for awareness building,” she said.
Ramos envisioned an art display with a dual purpose.
“Our water source flows right below our feet. I imagined giving it the attention it deserves by bringing it overhead. Ultimately, the creatives at Vaco took the assignment and ran with it to design the floating well.”
In alignment with the organization’s mission to inspire stewardship of water resources, the piece isn’t just aesthetics, it also educates the viewer about how water travels through the environment before reaching the taps and the many threats it faces along the way. To accomplish this, The Water Below Us leverages augmented reality technology to bring every phase of the water cycle to life so that viewers can learn about the threats facing our source, the Biscayne Aquifer, today.
The piece comes at a time when major cities around the world are struggling with water scarcity, and environmental agencies are releasing reports that warn of worsening conditions due to pollution, deforestation, population growth, misuse, and changing climate patterns.
“An educated public is more likely to care and take action on these issues. You can go without a lot of things, but not a single day without water,” Ramos said.
Taking The Water Below Us from concept to reality took collaboration between the public sector, the nonprofit, and the private sector.
“It was really cool to bring together different stakeholders that normally wouldn’t rub shoulders. Each one contributed unique talents and resources to create something that meets different goals for everyone involved,” she said.
Coral Gables is no stranger to the vibrant art scene. In 2018, Giralda Plaza drew a lot of Instagram-worthy attention with the Umbrella Sky Project.
“These artistic installations enliven Coral Gables’ Downtown and encourage both locals and tourists to interact with art in new ways,” said Catherine Cathers, Cultural Arts Department for the City of Coral Gables. “With The Water Below Us, we’re not only adding art appeal to a pedestrian walkway but also educating those who come to enjoy the restaurants and ambiance by taking them on a journey of a drop of water.”
The Water Below Us can be viewed through May 21 at Giralda Plaza, 255 Giralda Ave., between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street. Admission is free.
.For more information, visit www.bluemissions.org/ or call 888-702-2583.
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