Collection

Requiem

In this work, De Backer captures the extreme challenges faced by marine life both in the Cayman Islands and elsewhere as a result of climate change, pollution, overfishing, and acidification. Aptly named Requiem, the video draws our attention to three species whose very existence is threatened by these changes — in contrast to the years when the sea provided our maritime economy with a seemingly limitless bounty. The hint of purple, the colour of mourning, and funeral soundtrack similarly warn of the potential loss of habitat and biodiversity. Requiem suggests that unless we collectively change our behaviour these fragile ecosystems will be threatened beyond repair — “dissolving into a faded memory”.