One huge misconception in the natural world is that coral is a plant, but in fact, corals are actually small marine animals. The “hard” type of coral grows with the help of algae, which not only gives it colour, but also brings with it nutrients that help to form a sturdy, stony skeleton. Reefs, which form through the accumulation of hard coral, are a vital ecosystem, supporting an estimated 25 percent of ocean species.

The coral forms large bushy colonies which can be either free or fixed to the substratum.The polyps are translucent and have up to 50 tentacles, with obsolete terminal knobs. The colour is white, pink or yellowish. In British and Irish waters, Lophelia pertusa colonies occur in groups which are no more than 5-10 m in diameter, and often smaller. Individual polyps are connected by their external calcareous skeletons. The skeletons of individual polyps are up to 12 mm in diameter.

This mural captures a micro species that is seldom seen in person and explores the macro representation of that world to better highlight how strikingly beautiful the polyps truly are. Layered onto a brightly coloured camouflage background, the painting creates a juxtaposition with the corals and elevates a notion of being hidden and unknown in plain sight.

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