More than 1,000 children and a 150 volunteers on Repulse Bay Beach in Hong Kong spectacularly formed a human aerial art spectacular as part of Kids Ocean Day in the form of a shark with a detached fin.

The children then moved in unison to re-attach the fin, symbolizing the improved health of the ocean environment. International artist John Quigley (shown on left) created the extravaganza that was based on an original sketch by the winner of the children’s drawing competition.

The 1,000 children formed the artwork on a large scale on the beach. The event was preceded by a week of ocean talks at local school assemblies. Kids Ocean Week delivered an environmental education program, designed to motivate children to care about beaches and the ocean ecosystem and what they can do in their own neighborhoods to reduce the impact on the ocean environment. The program included an emphasis on recycling and waste reduction which is an important topic in Hong Kong’s community.

Kids Ocean Day is organized by Hong Kong’s Ocean Recovery Alliance and the Los Angeles organizations Malibu Foundation and Spectral Q with assistance from performance consultancy Bonza Pie, visual and creative agency LHK Media and Tai Tam Tuk Eco Education Centre.

The goal of Kids Ocean Week is to raise awareness and understanding about the health of the ocean and its ecosystem to Hong Kong’s youths. This unique program started with a drawing competition within both local and international schools. The winning picture was a design based on the theme “What Does the Ocean Have to Say?” “Today the children have spoken out as a group, using art as a way of expressing themselves to initially create the shape of a shark which lost its fin. As a critical connection in the food chain, which regulates the health of the ocean, their image sends a message to all of us that sharks are important for our own well being. The children who formed the fin, then joined their friends and peers in the main art display, creating a healthy and happy looking shark which signified their hope in protecting these animals,” says Doug Woodring, Event Organizer and Founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance.

“The group aerial art experience encourages cooperation and gives voice to the aspirations and dreams of the students. It’s beautiful to see how these kids inspire others to care for the environment with their creativity.” says artist John Quigley, the founder of Spectral Q and the Kids Ocean Day Aerial Art Program.

Photos of the event are posted here. Video to follow shortly.

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