Project Resurrection
Art building a future for marine life
Project Resurrection is an art project by Karin Janssen consisting of sculptures which create habitats for coral and marine life and inspires climate action. The pilot sculpture, The Guardian Beneath, has been successfully installed in the coral nursery from Eco Angels in Hemei Harbor, Taiwan.
Art building a future for marine life
Project Resurrection is an art project by Karin Janssen consisting of sculptures which create habitats for coral and marine life and inspires climate action. The pilot sculpture, The Guardian Beneath, has been successfully installed in the coral nursery from Eco Angels in Hemei Harbor, Taiwan.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Karin Janssen designed the sculptures in VR and hand-carved them together with stone carvers in Bali from reinforced concrete with a calcium carbonate coating that promotes coral growth. The sculptures are hollow and have lots of shapes that have been designed with marine biologists and coral specialists to provide a home for marine life. Community events in which local divers will plant coral on the sculpture will help it to grow into a coral reef in the spring of 2025.
CONCEPT
1. The Pilot: The Guardian Beneath
The Guardian Beneath is a sculpture of an airplane-dragon hybrid, combining traditional and modern symbolism. In Eastern culture dragons represent strength, power, and good fortune, while in Western culture they are often seen as destructive or dangerous. They symbolizes humanity’s dual impact on the environment—both harmful and restorative. The sculpture merges these perspectives with the modern day moral conflict of the airplane, reflecting freedom and exploration on one side, and environmental degradation on the other. Over time, the dragon-airplane will disappear beneath coral and marine life, embodying the shift from human dominance to nature's restoration.
2. The Larger Sculpture and VR Journey
Project Resurrection of three sister sculptures: The Land Reef: a large sculpture that will slowly become overgrown with plants. The Underwater Reef: a twin of the Land Reef that will be placed on the ocean floor to serve as a base for coral planting and marine life. The Virtual Reality Reef: a VR experience in which visitors can visit the Underwater Reef from the Land Reef and see the connection between life on land and life in the sea, making the invisible visible.
The VR movie already exists as a standalone artwork, with the potential to one day be realized as a physical large-scale sculpture. It takes you on a journey through climate change psychology, visualizing stages such as denial, anxiety, and fear, transitioning into hope and collective action. By incorporating local Taiwanese mythology, such as the Wind Changing Turtle and the Bridge of Magpies, it connects cultural heritage with environmental responsibility, providing a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the environment.
You can see the VR movie here.
3. Climate Change Psychology
Research into cognitive and social sciences informed the project’s approach. By framing climate change as a threat to coral, which activates the desire to protect rather than as a threat to humanity, which activates defenses; emphasizing solutions; and using emotionally engaging art, the sculptures create moments of awe, pride, and insight, inspiring collective action. Community involvement is central to this approach, as activities like workshops and coral planting foster a sense of connection, agency, and pride. Publicly accessible art and cultural symbols further engage audiences, making climate action personal and transformative.
Resources: Art COP21; Dickinson (2013); Mindworks Lab; The Power of Moments; Head, Hands, and Heart model
The Guardian Beneath is a sculpture of an airplane-dragon hybrid, combining traditional and modern symbolism. In Eastern culture dragons represent strength, power, and good fortune, while in Western culture they are often seen as destructive or dangerous. They symbolizes humanity’s dual impact on the environment—both harmful and restorative. The sculpture merges these perspectives with the modern day moral conflict of the airplane, reflecting freedom and exploration on one side, and environmental degradation on the other. Over time, the dragon-airplane will disappear beneath coral and marine life, embodying the shift from human dominance to nature's restoration.
2. The Larger Sculpture and VR Journey
Project Resurrection of three sister sculptures: The Land Reef: a large sculpture that will slowly become overgrown with plants. The Underwater Reef: a twin of the Land Reef that will be placed on the ocean floor to serve as a base for coral planting and marine life. The Virtual Reality Reef: a VR experience in which visitors can visit the Underwater Reef from the Land Reef and see the connection between life on land and life in the sea, making the invisible visible.
The VR movie already exists as a standalone artwork, with the potential to one day be realized as a physical large-scale sculpture. It takes you on a journey through climate change psychology, visualizing stages such as denial, anxiety, and fear, transitioning into hope and collective action. By incorporating local Taiwanese mythology, such as the Wind Changing Turtle and the Bridge of Magpies, it connects cultural heritage with environmental responsibility, providing a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the environment.
You can see the VR movie here.
3. Climate Change Psychology
Research into cognitive and social sciences informed the project’s approach. By framing climate change as a threat to coral, which activates the desire to protect rather than as a threat to humanity, which activates defenses; emphasizing solutions; and using emotionally engaging art, the sculptures create moments of awe, pride, and insight, inspiring collective action. Community involvement is central to this approach, as activities like workshops and coral planting foster a sense of connection, agency, and pride. Publicly accessible art and cultural symbols further engage audiences, making climate action personal and transformative.
Resources: Art COP21; Dickinson (2013); Mindworks Lab; The Power of Moments; Head, Hands, and Heart model
ARTIST & TEAM & SPONSORS
Karin Janssen
Karin Janssen is the initiator and creator of Project Resurrection. Her work reflects on themes such as humanity's relationship with nature and the resilience needed to navigate personal and global challenges. Her work often connects personal experiences to universal themes and shared human stories. Project Resurrection began as her personal initiative and has grown through collaboration with sponsors, local governments, and NGOs. See more of her work on www.karinjanssen.com
Karin Janssen is the initiator and creator of Project Resurrection. Her work reflects on themes such as humanity's relationship with nature and the resilience needed to navigate personal and global challenges. Her work often connects personal experiences to universal themes and shared human stories. Project Resurrection began as her personal initiative and has grown through collaboration with sponsors, local governments, and NGOs. See more of her work on www.karinjanssen.com
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Team
Acknowledgments
This pilot project was developed from 2021 to 2024 and brought together expertise from a diverse range of fields. The success of this project would not have been possible without the valuable input from local and international experts across multiple disciplines.
I am deeply grateful to the professors, marine biologists, marine ecologists, marine engineers, structural engineers, offshore wind specialists, permitting specialists, climate change psychologists, 3D printing specialists, artificial reef experts, universities, material specialists, logistics experts, marketing consultants, architects, and cultural coaches who generously shared their insights along the way.
Special acknowledgment to Elaine Chen for her significant contributions to making this project possible and her ongoing dedication to coral conservation.
- Concept, Design & Project Director Karin Janssen
- Sponsored by Torder Environmental Foundation, NIRAS
- In Partnership With Eco Angels Environmental Conservation Association
- Supported by New Taipei City Government, Fisheries and Fishing Port Affairs Management Office
- Advised by National Museum of Marine Science and Technology
- Stone Carving Support Team Jun Prana, Nyoman Witantra, Gede Mahardika
- Eco Angels Team Elaine Chen, Chien-Hwa Huang, Kennets Peng, Peggy Chen, Yvonne Ho, Jeff Li, Sheena Chang
- Transport and Logistics Antony Lee, Yao Ying International, Adhi Darma Cargo
- Marine Engineering and Installation Specialist Danny Hong, NIRAS
- Installation Team Daniel Mei, Excellent Shipping Agencies
- Diving Team Nomad Diving, Tom Janssen-Manning
- Videography Ryan Wu, Joakim Ollikainen, Photokrono x IfOnly Studio
- Photography Kalen Sheng, Joakim Ollikainen
- Project Assistants Jyue Yin Shih, Ema Szuhui Huang, Ruby Chen, Wenjin Chen
- Translators Sandy Lee, Linda Lin-Jhu Wang, Benson Pei-Chen Liu, Cheryl Tzu-Hsuan Wang, Shu-Yu Chang, Wan-Yen Lee, Alan Yu-Lun Pai
- Special Thanks Tom Janssen-Manning, Charlie Janssen-Manning
Acknowledgments
This pilot project was developed from 2021 to 2024 and brought together expertise from a diverse range of fields. The success of this project would not have been possible without the valuable input from local and international experts across multiple disciplines.
I am deeply grateful to the professors, marine biologists, marine ecologists, marine engineers, structural engineers, offshore wind specialists, permitting specialists, climate change psychologists, 3D printing specialists, artificial reef experts, universities, material specialists, logistics experts, marketing consultants, architects, and cultural coaches who generously shared their insights along the way.
Special acknowledgment to Elaine Chen for her significant contributions to making this project possible and her ongoing dedication to coral conservation.
CONTACT & GET INVOLVED
We invite you to join Project Resurrection and be part of the coral planting event in spring Hemei Harbour in Taiwan. Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, or supporter on land, your involvement makes a difference. Leave your details in the contact form and subscribe to the mailing list and/or follow Karin Janssen on social media for updates and event details. For partnerships, collaborations, or further inquiries, feel free to reach out directly.
Reach out: email: hello(at)karinjanssen.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Reach out: email: hello(at)karinjanssen.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
FAQ
What is Project Resurrection?
It is an art and conservation initiative focused on creating habitats for marine life and inspiring action on climate change, initiated by artist Karin Janssen.
Can I visit or dive to the sculpture?
The harbor is officially closed for diving, but people do sometimes dive there unofficially. However, you can safely and officially dive to the sculpture if you join us during the coral planting event in spring.
What is the coral planting event?
A community activity where divers, snorkelers, and supporters work together to plant coral on The Guardian Beneath in Hemei Harbor, Taiwan.
Who can attend the coral planting event?
Anyone interested—divers, snorkelers, or supporters on land—is welcome to join. Follow Karin Janssen on Instagram or LinkedIn for updates.
When is the coral planting event?
The coral planting event is scheduled to take place sometime in spring 2025. Stay tuned for updates on the exact dates.
How is the project funded?
Through collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with businesses and organizations.
When will the big sculpture be made?
We don't know yet. While we have a location and a permit, we are still seeking funding. If you’d like to help fund it or host it at another location, please get in touch.
Can businesses collaborate?
Yes, businesses can partner with us for custom sculptures, restoration projects, or sponsorship opportunities.
Where is The Guardian Beneath located?
Hemei Harbor, Taiwan, within the Eco Angels coral nursery. [Google maps link]
It is an art and conservation initiative focused on creating habitats for marine life and inspiring action on climate change, initiated by artist Karin Janssen.
Can I visit or dive to the sculpture?
The harbor is officially closed for diving, but people do sometimes dive there unofficially. However, you can safely and officially dive to the sculpture if you join us during the coral planting event in spring.
What is the coral planting event?
A community activity where divers, snorkelers, and supporters work together to plant coral on The Guardian Beneath in Hemei Harbor, Taiwan.
Who can attend the coral planting event?
Anyone interested—divers, snorkelers, or supporters on land—is welcome to join. Follow Karin Janssen on Instagram or LinkedIn for updates.
When is the coral planting event?
The coral planting event is scheduled to take place sometime in spring 2025. Stay tuned for updates on the exact dates.
How is the project funded?
Through collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with businesses and organizations.
When will the big sculpture be made?
We don't know yet. While we have a location and a permit, we are still seeking funding. If you’d like to help fund it or host it at another location, please get in touch.
Can businesses collaborate?
Yes, businesses can partner with us for custom sculptures, restoration projects, or sponsorship opportunities.
Where is The Guardian Beneath located?
Hemei Harbor, Taiwan, within the Eco Angels coral nursery. [Google maps link]
PICTURES PILOT SCULPTURE
Photos 1, 2, 6 by Kalen Sheng; 3-5 by Dindin Entourloop; 6 by Joakim Ollikainen
WATCH VR MOVIE
For the best VR experience, watch in full screen using the YouTube app on your phone, laptop, or VR headset. Set quality to the highest (via the settings icon) and use your fingers or mouse to explore the view. Prefer 2D? Watch it here.