Imagine that you can play a significant role in healing our oceans. The process is creative and fun but the best part is that the impact is measurable and beautiful to observe. It all begins with inspiration and a deep passion to make a difference. That is the vision behind Reef Revival, an immersive art-activism exhibition that opens on December 11 and runs through the end of the month at the IF Museum in Manhattan’s Lower East Side on 57 Stanton St.
“Art changes people and people change the world.” — Layla Love
Collaborators
The IF Museum’s 5,000-square-foot space is transformed into a multi-sensory environment of sculpture, photography, and interactive installations—all centered on ocean conservation and creative environmental action. This oceanic dreamscape is curated by legendary art critic Anthony Haden-Guest and artist Layla Love with submissions from acclaimed photographer, Annie Leibovitz. Project collaborators include performance artist and Marine Policy Specialist, Lily Fangz, along with Angelina Chen, Founder of Global Coralition. The World Foundation of Peace and Sustainability, founded by Indian entrepreneur Sandeep J. Shah is also supporting this inspired endeavor. Performers to include ceremonial indigenous vocalist Snow Raven, Hawaiian Hula Dances with Natalya Kailani as well as musical artists David Block, Tubby Love and many others. All proceeds benefit The Global Coralition reef restoration efforts.
The Global Coralition
The lungs of the ocean are her vibrant coral reefs. They provide protection for many sea creatures but also play a major role in producing oxygen. Every wave carries stories of connection, reminding us that the fate of our world is tied to the vibrant ecosystems beneath her surface. Now, a movement is rising—one that blends art, science, and community to rewrite that story into one of inspiration and regeneration. This is the mission of the Global Coralition, a scaleable community-driven project that is transforming the way we heal our oceans.
For too long, humanity has operated under the illusion of sustainability, believing we could simply maintain natural resources. But with so many ecological systems on the brink of collapse, we must do more than sustain—we must regenerate. Sustainability is a luxury we no longer have; restoration alone is insufficient if the systems that caused the damage remain unchanged. We now have the capacity to establish regenerative models that can actively reverse the damage that humans have created. Nature has the answers, we just need to apply them. The Global Coralition uses art as a catalyst for ecological revival, economic transformation, and cultural healing.
Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea,” because they are the lifeblood of our oceans. Covering just 1% of the seafloor, they host at least 25% of all marine life, according to the Coral Reef Alliance. These vibrant ecosystems provide food and livelihoods for millions, protect coastlines from storms, and even hold the keys to groundbreaking medicines for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
Marine Science and Art Create Regenerative Models
Reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Yet the urgency of this crisis has sparked a revolutionary breakthrough because of Dr. David Vaughan’s discovery of microfragmentation at Mote Marine Laboratory. He observed that by cutting coral into small pieces and planting them closely together, humans can accelerate coral growth by up to 40 times which allows reefs to mature in just 3–5 years instead of decades. This collaboration between science and nature is a testament to what’s possible when we work with, rather than against, our natural world.
The Global Coralition’s approach is as innovative as it is inspiring. By deploying large-scale art sculptures into the ocean, they create living coral restoration sites that double as educational hubs and tourist attractions, funding further research and community engagement. These sculptures are more than just structures—they are love letters to the ocean, symbols of our commitment to healing.
“As one of the Octo family—having eight limbs—I juggle multiple worlds. In the flow I am creating an anti-genre where art with purpose is the purpose. Focusing on the ocean and diving deep feels both essential and true.” — Lily Fangz
In the Dominican Republic the Coralition honored the Taíno people, the region’s original stewards, with an underwater coral sculpture of Atabey, the goddess of fertility and waters. The statue was seeded with micro fragmented coral and is now blooming with life. This act of cultural recognition underscores a profound truth: environmental healing cannot happen without cultural healing. Colonialism’s legacy of conquest left scars on both people and ecosystems; by honoring indigenous wisdom and celebrating it with contemporary art infused with modern science, we begin to mend those wounds together. It is fitting that the island first touched by colonialism when Columbus landed in 1492 is now the birthplace of a global movement to restore coral reefs!
Reef Revival Schedule of Events
Opening Night
- December 11 — Exhibition Opening Party, 6–11 p.m.
- Filmmaker Darrick will be filming everyday between Dec 11–18
Hawaiian Cultural Performance by Natalya Kailani (Hula & Oli)
- December 13 — Screening “Ocean Bloom” with Shawn Heinrichs/Samuel J
- December 14 — David Block: The Human Experience with Rhyé Secular Sabbath
- December 17 — Snow Raven (Indigenous vocalist, throat singer, ceremonial performer)
- December 17 & 18 — Ashley Wildfire
- Sometime after December 13 — Samuel J (exact date TBA)
- Around Christmas — Tubby Love
- December 19 —
- Legendary Cyphers, hosted by Lily Fangz
- Slam Poetry Gathering
- Live Stream with Terry Lily
- Live stream with Louis Solawada
- December 27 — Michel Pascal Movie Screening, You’re Never Alone
- December 31 — Private Closing (invite only)
*Additional events and collaborations will be added throughout December*
Going Global, A Community Effort
This movement is not just about coral—it’s about us. It’s about reimagining our relationship with nature, shifting from exploitation to cooperation. Together we are building a future where art and science unite to regenerate what has been lost. After New York this exhibit will tour to Copenhagen, Tokyo, Prague, Berlin, Miami during Art Basel, and more. Reef Revival invites you to be part of this transformative journey and you will be able to see it first at IF Museum on on 57 Stanton St. this December. Together, we can turn the tide and create a legacy of creative regeneration that ripples across the globe. Will you help us write love letters to the ocean?
