Coral Gaze: A photo exhibition between humans, coral and commitment.
- Martin Colognoli
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction
When children from the Goutte d'Or neighborhood of Paris explore the world of coral, it gives rise to a collective, poetic, and socially conscious exhibition: Coral Gaze. This unique project, carried out in partnership with Canon , FGO-Barbara , and photographer Martin Colognoli, blends participatory photography, biodiversity awareness, and a sense of wonder at the unseen.
Through a series of workshops, the children were introduced to images, the ocean, and the beauty of the world.
When the children of Paris encounter the coral reefs.
A project born from the intersection of art, science and popular education
"Coral Views" was born from a simple desire: to create a meaningful connection between urban youth and the marine world. Far from the coast, in the heart of Paris, this project aims to reconnect children with nature, which is often far removed from their daily lives.
The initiative is based on three pillars:
artistic guidance from a specialist photographer,
a scientific discovery of coral and marine ecosystems,
and cultural mediation rooted in the territory of the 18th arrondissement.
La Goutte d'Or: a rich, young, creative neighborhood
La Goutte d'Or is a vibrant, diverse, and inventive neighborhood. It is here that the exhibition takes root, within FGO-Barbara , an iconic cultural center committed to youth. By involving children in a collective creation, this project values their perspectives and imaginations.
Making the invisible visible: discovering the oceans without leaving your city
Coral, invisible to most children, becomes a subject of wonder, questioning, and creation here. Through the workshops, budding young photographers learned to observe, compose, and feel, while discovering the beauty and fragility of coral reefs.
Canon, partner in image and awareness
Why Canon is involved in environmental projects
This project aligns with Canon's strategy of using images to serve the natural world. By supporting "Coral Gaze," Canon reaffirms its commitment to education, biodiversity, and social justice.
The equipment made available to children
Canon provided the children with suitable professional photographic equipment: camera bodies, lenses, and shooting tools. This equipment enabled each child to express themselves through photography.
The image as a tool for connection, discovery, and awareness
This project demonstrates how images can transform our view of the world. Here, they empower children to feel capable, legitimate, and creative, while simultaneously addressing major environmental issues.
An artistic immersion centered around coral
Introduction to marine biodiversity by Martin Colognoli
Marine biologist and photographer Martin Colognoli shared his passion for coral reefs with the children. Through stories, images, and discussions, he gave them the keys to understanding this fascinating ecosystem.
Workshops: observe, feel, compose a photo
The resulting images are powerful: they convey wonder, curiosity, and sometimes unease. Each photograph is accompanied by a text, a word, a phrase, revealing the depth of the viewer's perspective on nature.
What did the children see? Their gaze, their words, their stories
The resulting images are powerful: they convey wonder, curiosity, and sometimes unease. Each photograph is accompanied by a text, a word, a phrase, revealing the depth of a child's gaze upon nature.
The exhibition at FGO-Barbara: coral on the city walls
A collective and poetic restitution
The "Coral Gaze" exhibition presents artwork created by children, showcased in a simple yet immersive setting. Coral resonates with the city, creating a visual dialogue between the underwater world and urban space.
Practical details
📍 FGO-Barbara – 1, rue Fleury, Paris 18
🕒 Free entry during the venue's opening hours
A festive opening brought together families, partners, and young photographers, proud to share their work with the public.
A human-scale exhibition with universal appeal
Behind each image, a world unfolds. This exhibition, although local, speaks to everyone: it reminds us of our deep connection to the living world and our collective responsibility to protect it.
What this project reveals and conveys
More aware children, more powerful images
The exhibition transformed the children. Not only did they discover an unfamiliar ecosystem, but above all, they understood that their perspective has value. That art can be a tool for expression, understanding, and action.
The importance of creating a link between biodiversity and urban areas
This project perfectly illustrates how environmental education can take root in areas far removed from nature. It shows that ecology can be experienced here and now, in working-class neighborhoods as well as elsewhere.
The transformative power of participatory photography
Photography is a way of appropriating the world. By becoming the protagonists of their own story, the children had a transformative experience. An experience they will remember for a long time.
Conclusion
Coral Views is not simply an exhibition. It is a bridge between worlds: that of children and that of coral, that of the city and that of the ocean, that of the image and that of awareness.
Thanks to Canon, FGO-Barbara and the support of Martin Colognoli, this project gives rise to new perspectives on living things, and shows that wonder is a first step towards commitment.
Conclusion: every diver can become a protector of life
Canon Europe (2024). Sustainability and biodiversity programs – www.canon-europe.com
Colognoli, M. (2024). Blue Letter No. 6 – Coral, Mirror of Life – www.martincolognoli.com
IPBES (2022). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services – www.ipbes.net
FGO-Barbara (2025). Coral Gaze Exhibition – Youth Program – www.fgo-barbara.fr
UNESCO (2023). Biodiversity education in urban environments – www.unesco.org