Geometric Ecosystems: Coorong Lagoons and Murray Mouth Inverse Estuary

ECOSYSTEM STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

This series of paintings was created to bring awareness to critically endangered ecosystems around the world. Each unique in their biodiversity, these ecosystems are critical to an uncountable number of animals and the overall wellness of our planet. By looking at the specific materials and qualities of each ecosystem, simple geometries were derived and then used to depict a snapshot of the overall system combined. All nine paintings are gouache paint on 200 pound watercolor paper, 9 in by 9 in.

 Located in Southern Australia, the Coorong Lagoons and Murray Mouth Inverse Estuary are a critically endangered ecosystem.  The intersection and opposing flows of the fresh water Murray River and the saline water Indian Ocean meeting create the inverse estuary and series of lagoons. This ecosystem has been severely degraded over the last 150 years due to irrigation diversion and construction. The result is reduced flow from the Murray River and Lower Lakes. The ICUN Red List of Ecosystems classifies the Coorong Lagoons and Murray Mouth Inverse Estuary as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.