Graduates

Geyuzhen Zhu

MFA in Graphic Design - 2 Yr Path — Graduate Graphic Design

Whale Falls

This is a series of posters about whale falls, I used 3D modeling to show the decomposition of whale carcasses and the growth of marine life in an artistic format. The phenomenon of whale fall can make us realize the multiple sides of things. When we encounter something negative, if we think differently, we may get a positive result.
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The three posters correspond to three sets of words representative of the process of whale fall: life and death, up and down, light and dark.
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Life&Death: A whale’s death creates ecosystems and sustains their life for decades. The death of a whale provides a unique habitat in the deep sea for a range of species that might not otherwise thrive in this harsh environment. As the whale decomposes, it releases nutrients that fuel the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, creating a complex web of life that can last for decades.
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Up&Down: When a whale carcass falls down, an ecosystem rises up from its remains. When a whale dies and its carcass falls to the ocean floor, it might seem like the end of its story. But in reality, it's just the beginning of a new chapter in the cycle of life. As the whale decomposes, it attracts a diverse range of scavengers and predators that create an abundance of nutrients, supporting new life for years to come.
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Light&Dark: In the ocean's dark abyss the carcass is illuminated with bioluminescent light. In the depths of the ocean, where sunlight can't reach, a decomposing whale carcass becomes a beacon of bioluminescent light, attracting a range of creatures that feed on it. As the whale's body breaks down, it releases nutrients that support the growth of hagfish, sleeper sharks, and other creatures of the deep, creating a surreal and otherworldly scene.