The Hyperbolic Crochet Reef

By Helda Panagary

A collective celebration of colourful creatures is taking form in an amazing crochet project that aims to raise awareness about the threats to delicate ocean ecosystems. The hyperbolic crochet reef is growing organically with the clicking of crochet hooks and the determination of skilled, multi-disciplinary crafters from around the world. Together, they are working on a vast crochet version of the Great Barrier Reef to highlight the pollution and climate changes that threaten this natural wonder. The crochet reef is a warning about what will be lost if we don't move forward to prevent global warning, scientists claim that if we continue on our current trajectory, the reef will be wiped out by the end of this century.

In 1997 a professor astounded the scientific world by realising the first physical model of a hyperbolic plane. Two sisters, Margaret and Christine Wertheim, whose shared passions for science, maths, handicrafts and environmental issues conceived the idea, of creating a woolly homage, reflecting the hyperboplic nature of coral and other creatures of the sea. Hyperbolic geometry is not an abstract idea: it exists in nature and is particularly noticeable on the ruffled edges of plants like kelp and lettuce, and on sea slugs.

The Wertheim sisters called for crochet contribution and the response is so amazing. Gorgeously crenellated, warped and undulating corals, anemones and kelps have been created so far. The reef is constantly being updated by an ever expanding group of participants from around the world.

Twenty five women attended the workshop held at the Hayward Gallery earlier this year. Margaret delivered a no-nonsense, informative slide show and a very clear definition of hyperbolic planes. It was very stimulating and we were all eager to contribute. Hooks and yarn had been provided as well as a delightful display of cake!

We created strange shapes and structures, I found it quite liberating to work freeform; there is no right and wrong. Margaret displayed creatures made from plastic bags, tights, video tape, string and wire - anything goes. We realized that creating hyperbolic corals and reef creatures is the perfect way to use up all those oddly coloured and textured yarns hiding in our stashes.

The completed reef will be on display in the Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, London from June 10 to August 18 this year, more workshops and displays continue to take place around the world. For more information visit The Institute For Figuring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helda Panagary is crochet mad and is the organiser of the London Crochet Meetup. She tries hard to divide her time between crochet and knitting. Read about her exploits on her blog: Heldasland.