Aqua Marina

The English translation of the Italian term ‘alga marina’ sounds much less lyrical: seaweed. Unwittingly brought to the shores of Venice by boats from the Far East, the invasive plant can now be found everywhere in Venice where there is water, causing Venetians great concern about the long-term viability of its waterways. It can be seen in all of the familiar places - along the fondamenta, attached to the brick walls of the canals and edging the periphery of vaporetto stops. Its nondescript appearance masks the threat of its existence. However, there is a magical side of its presence as it dances to the beat of the canal waters.