The Sea Shell

Some numbers:

  • Nearly 28,000 people have been recorded dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014

  • 2023 was the deadliest year for Mediterranean crossings since 2016, with 3,041 deaths or disappearances

  • The Central Mediterranean route is the deadliest, claiming over 23,000 lives between January 2014 and March 2024

To create awareness for people who have lost their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, we could develop a powerful and thought-provoking campaign based on a sea shell.

This installation would feature seashells placed in public spaces.
When people put their ear to the shell, instead of hearing the expected ocean sounds, they would hear:

  • Muffled cries for help

  • Splashing water

  • Labored breathing

  • Fading heartbeats

The audio would start subtly and intensify, creating a haunting experience that abruptly cuts off, symbolizing lives lost at sea.

The installation would include informational panels with these statistics and resources for taking action. By subverting a familiar, nostalgic experience, this concept aims to create a visceral, emotional connection to the human cost of dangerous sea crossings and spark conversations about migration policies and humanitarian aid.