Inked by the Ocean: The Seaweed Revolution in Art

In the quiet waters off the west coast of Scotland, near the rugged beauty of Skye, a humble plant has been growing with extraordinary purpose. Seaweed—often dismissed as little more than coastal clutter—has emerged as an unsung hero of sustainability and a surprising muse for creativity. At the heart of this story lies Alex Glasgow's water farm, KelpCrofters, where seaweed thrives as “perhaps the quickest-growing biomass on the planet.” Yet, its journey doesn't end with fertilizer or artisanal soap. This seaweed has transformed into something entirely unexpected: ink.

This kelp-based pigment has inspired a group of 16 artists to create oceanic masterpieces for an exhibition supporting WWF's ocean conservation efforts. The result? A profound and deeply personal exploration of the sea’s allure, resilience, and fragile state.

The Artists and Their Medium

For sculptor Antony Gormley, the viscous ink evoked the mud of his childhood coastal memories, reconnecting him with the life force of the oceans. Meanwhile, painter Caragh Thuring described the ink’s slippery, greasy texture as a testament to its marine origins—its aroma instantly transporting her back to the beaches of her youth. Artists like Emma Talbot embraced the sepia-toned ink to merge futurism with nature’s ancient story, painting on silk and invoking selkies, mythical creatures bridging the divide between human and seal.

Others, like Laura Ford, harnessed the ink’s tactile and emotional complexity to sculpt seals that provoke both humor and anxiety—a visual metaphor for the precarious state of marine ecosystems. Even Anya Gallaccio infused her ink-based creations with ground-down stones and shells, pushing the boundaries of texture and tradition.

Ink with a Purpose

The ink’s journey—from the waters of Scotland to gallery walls—highlights the critical importance of ocean conservation. As the artists experimented with this kelp-derived medium, their works echoed a collective yearning: to reconnect humanity with the natural world. The seaweed’s transformation into art not only symbolizes sustainability but also emphasizes the oceans' role as the planet’s lifeblood.

Where to See the Magic

The exhibition, "Art for Your Oceans", will run at Sotheby’s in London from 7 to 15 May. The artworks will be auctioned, with proceeds funding WWF's ocean conservation initiatives in the UK and beyond. Each brushstroke and sculpture speaks to a shared vision: a future where the sea’s beauty and vitality are preserved for generations to come.

An Ocean of Possibility....

As we marvel at these artworks, let us reflect on the incredible potential lying beneath the ocean’s surface. From ink to inspiration, seaweed offers a reminder that even the simplest elements of nature can spark profound change—if only we let them.