This thesis views the sea as a motivation of making art. My objective is to strengthen my own identity as an artist and discuss the possibilities of critical art.

In text, I introduce several artists’ artworks and projects regarding to the sea and its ecosystem. I reflect the work on themes such as re/act, re/view, re/search and re/use. The term “re” in this context references to doing things once more; is afresh. I also interview the art scholar, Mari Krappala, about the art collective Merisiskot and their art and work. Lastly, I contemplate the sea as an inspiration and motivation in my own artwork. The important theme is to discuss the art as a form of activism and using art as a way of addressing ecological crises.

Artist doesn’t necessarily need to be a passive observer, but can have a positive impact on environment and inform us. Artist may try to find a solution to their own’s or society’s corcerns. Art can challenge the viewers to reflect their own options and life values.

The themes in this research strengthened my identity as an artist and inspired me to make more ecological artwork. Art doesn’t need to stay in its own bubble to be valued or doesn’t need to reach the audience of millions to be significant. We demand too much from art if we expect it to have an immediate impact on society.