MIGHTY JELLYFISH

It is possible that jellyfish are among the most successful organisms on the planet. Fossil evidence suggests that they have existed for at least 500 million years, predating dinosaurs and many other marine species. While numerous ocean-dwelling animals struggle to survive in increasingly warm and acidic seas, jellyfish continue to thrive, and in some regions are becoming even more abundant. Certain species are capable of releasing up to 45,000 eggs in a single night, contributing to their remarkable resilience.

In 1988, scientists discovered a species now known as the “immortal jellyfish” (Turritopsis dohrnii), which possesses the extraordinary ability to reverse its life cycle. When exposed to environmental stress, physical damage, or aging, this jellyfish can transform its adult medusa form back into its juvenile polyp stage, effectively beginning life anew. This unique biological process, known as transdifferentiation, allows the organism to potentially avoid death and repeat its life cycle indefinitely under favorable conditions.

Through this installation, I aim to represent the life cycle of the jellyfish by creating a micro-ecosystem on a boat, revealing the different stages of growth of these ancient and resilient creatures. The work reflects on adaptation, regeneration, and survival in a rapidly changing marine environment.

All the fabric is repurposed material donated by Yee Chain International Co. 

This installation and its construction methods are original artistic expressions developed by Lua Rivera as part of the Rivera Rhizomatic Construction Method.