Guantanamo in the Sea, 2024

Oil on curved panel

60 in x 72 in x 7.5 in

Guantanamo in the Sea calls out the sound pollution inflicted on marine life by the operation of vast wind farms, blanketing many square miles with constant deafening auditory levels. At a 100-meter distance, the underwater sound level of one operating wind turbine equals that of a gas-powered leaf blower, 105 to 125 decibels. Few studies have been conducted. Vast unknowns still exist as to effects on fish and other marine animals who communicate with sound or use echolocation. The migration patterns of the many species inhabiting our coastlines could be affected. We move turbines into the ocean where we imagine they may bother only a wealthy coastal enclave. We ignore a whole world below the surface.