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Celebrities Design and Auction Off Wave-Shaped Sculptures to Save the Ocean

By Kelly Richman-Abdou on May 22, 2017

La Mer Wave Walk Ocean Art Public Art Celebrities

Jason DeCaires Taylor and Keith Richards

Over the weekend, 54 works of ocean-themed art made waves in public spaces around New York City. These wave-shaped works of art are part of the La Mer Wave Walk, an outdoor exhibition of art created by Project 0 that aims to support ocean conservation. Unlike much of the public art that pops up in the city's boroughs, these sculptures were designed by an eclectic group of “the world’s most influential artists, designers and culture-makers,” and will ultimately be auctioned off for charity.

The sea-inspired pieces are fittingly shaped like swirling waves. The collection of charitable art features one-of-a-kind designs dreamt up by contemporary artists, well-known musicians, legendary singers, and acclaimed actors. As expected, many artists, like Dustin Yellin, Zoe Buckman, Julian Schnabel, and PEJAC, made waves that reflect their respective styles. The rest of the celebrities, including Keith Richards, Slash, Rita Ora, and Cara Delevingne, designed pieces that either reference their iconic look (as evident in Slash's hat-and-sunglass-clad octopus) or simply convey their personal artistic tastes.

The pieces that comprise the La Mer Wave Walk will be on display in locations across New York City from May 20 to June 21, acting as a month-long celebration of the United Nations World Oceans Day on June 8. In addition to aiding ocean protection efforts by visually spreading conservation-related awareness, the pieces will also raise funds for the cause. Until June 23, the pieces will be auctioned off on Paddle8. 100% of the proceeds from the sale will fund 3 major marine conservation projects: mangrove protection and restoration in the Caribbean, sustainability in the East China Sea, and the implementation of protected areas in the Azores. Looks like it's time to start bidding!