“Underwater Nest”

Underwater Nest is a site-specific kelp installation that sits at the intersection of art, science, and activism. Through this conceptual framework, the work reimagines nonlinear systems, holistic connections, and equitable processes, challenging dominant hierarchical structures both in society and the natural world. Artist Kalie Granier transforms the Cabrillo Gallery space into a monumental kelp nest, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in hundreds of kelp pieces collected from the beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties over the past four years. This nest that flies away is a metaphor for the disappearance of 90% of California's kelp forests. The installation seeks to rekindle a connection with seaweed, offering a poignant representation of living beings intricately woven into their environment and emphasizing the interdependence of these organisms with the ecosystems they sustain.