The Special “Possible Conversation” Featured Photographer Enzo Barraco and the Sea Beyond Educational Program
On May 22, the Prada Group celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity by hosting a Prada Possible Conversation at the Broadway Epicenter, spotlighting its SEA BEYOND initiative. This educational venture, launched in 2019 in collaboration with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, aims to enhance sustainability and ocean preservation awareness.
The event featured a dialogue between Emmy-nominated photographer and Climate Artist Enzo Barracco, UNESCO-IOC Senior Program Officer Francesca Santoro, and Meghan Marrero, Chair of the National Marine Educators Association’s Blue Schools Committee. The conversation drew an audience of over 200, including figures such as writer Amy Sall, artist Cindy Sherman, architects Elizabeth Diller and Felix Burrichter, and Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA’s Chief of Strategic Partnerships.
Francesca Santoro highlighted the urgency of the environmental challenges facing the globe. “We are at a critical moment, and we urgently need to take action. Our behavior as human beings needs to move towards a more sustainable path. Education and awareness raising are key in this endeavor,” she stated, emphasizing the role of photography in environmental advocacy.
Photographer Enzo Barracco shared his perspective on individual responsibility toward environmental conservation. “I believe everyone has a duty to do something for our planet within their own capacity and skill. I do it through photography because photography doesn’t need translation,” he explained.
Meghan Marrero discussed the importance of marine education. “Enhancing marine education is integral to the health of our global ocean. Today’s students are tomorrow’s decision makers. We must help these learners build their connection to the ocean and become water stewards to ensure a sustainable ocean future,” she said.
In conjunction with the discussion, a selection of Barracco’s photographs from his works “The Noise of Ice: Antarctica” and “The Skin of Rock Galápagos” were showcased.
Reinforcing its commitment to marine education, the Prada Group announced a donation to NMEA, supporting the transformation of 16 Tristate area schools into “Blue Schools,” which integrate ocean literacy into their curricula and encourage student involvement in conservation projects.
Following the event, the photographs displayed will be gifted to the participating schools as they begin their journey as Blue Schools in September.
Looking ahead, Barracco’s collaboration with SEA BEYOND will continue with a second photo exhibition at the Prada Aoyama Epicenter in Tokyo in early December 2024. He will also launch a new book on Hawaii’s biodiversity at this event.
The exhibition, which runs through May 27, 2024, was curated by New York-based design studio 2×4, a long-time collaborator with Prada.
