This cloth is a result of an experiment I made some years ago

The Fabric told its own story, and revealed an idea to my imagination.

Jellyfish!!

Jellyfish have been on my mind this past summer

In The Arabian Gulf, where I swim every day, jellyfish bloom around June  

In 2018 they seemed to bloom overwhelmingly and swimming was out of the question.

I’ve read reports of this phenomenon happening around the world.

The jellyfish were blooming so much they were affecting coastal power plants and fisheries

However, I’ve observed in recent years there have been no jellyfish blooms on this coast

Why is this?

The reports are mixed. Some reports say there is a decline and others say there is a surge of jellyfish in the seas around the world.

Either way it’s obvious the oceans are changing rapidly, and consequently the behavior of sea creatures

“Jellyfish play an undervalued role as a “biological pump” and a critical food source; a multi-year absence would reshape the ocean”

Yet this small insignificant creature plays an important roll in the biosphere

As a swimmer, getting caught in a jellyfish bloom is no fun.  They can be unpleasant when they sting, especially the ones who give an electric-shock type sting. Even the non-stinging varieties can give a bit of a jolt!!

Even so, I feel so sad when I realised I haven’t seen them.  It’s a worrying concern to think the jellyfish may not bloom again in the Arabian Gulf.

What have you noticed, in your neighbourhood, evidence of our Natural World in decline?

Janine Ibbini

Dimensions 40” x 24”

Altered cotton background

Pentel Oil Pastel crayons

Water-colours

Cotton. Polyester Organza

Machine and Hand Stitching