By producing an underwater manifestation in the Mesoamerican Reef System, Cuevas explores the possibilities of assuming social rights, capacities, and agency in relation to the current social and environmental crisis. Unique for its biodiversity, this glob- ally significant reef system is the second largest in the world and has been severely threatened by cli- mate change. As they swim through the reef, divers show banners that read: “IN TROUBLE”; “Omnia sunt communia” (Everything belongs to everyone); “1%,” which refers to the amount of coral remaining in the world; and “25%,” which is the percentage of marine species that depend on coral.
Installation view, Mishkin Gallery, New York, 2019