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Ephemeral Murals: Art That Vanishes

Michael Montes04 mins

Sean Yoro’s Stunning Eco-Conscious Murals

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Artistry at the Bay of Fundy

Surfer and artist Sean Yoro has created a mural in a spot -- Canada's Bay of Fundy -- where the tides submerge the work in less than 6 hours every day.
Surfer and artist Sean Yoro has created a mural in a spot — Canada’s Bay of Fundy — where the tides submerge the work in less than 6 hours every day.

The Making of a Mural

The painting took nine days to complete and measures 30 by 45 feet. Yoro stated, “For 9 days we lived off the tide schedules, starting our days around 2:30 a.m. when the tides were lowest and taking breaks when the tide was too high.”

The painting, which took nine days to complete, measures 30 by 45 feet.
The painting, which took nine days to complete, measures 30 by 45 feet.

Unique Challenge and Methodology

Yoro faced unique challenges as the mural was unveiled naturally twice a day, transforming its appearance with every tide level. “The rate of drop/rise was about 1 foot every 15 minutes, so there was a lot of waiting and being patient with the tides,” he explained.

Yoro waits for the tide to rise another foot to be able to reach the top of the mural: 'The rate of drop/rise was about 1 foot every 15 minutes.'
Yoro waits for the tide to rise another foot to be able to reach the top of the mural: “The rate of drop/rise was about 1 foot every 15 minutes, so there was a lot of waiting and being patient with the tides,” he said.

Environmental Exploration

Exploring the environment was critical: “We were exploring the environment around the wall at low tide. Everything I walked on in these photos is usually underwater at high tides, so it was incredible to see the change and explore the hidden world.”

I used a special paint formula for this project which would be able to dry quickly and withstand being submerged underwater.
“I used a special paint formula for this project which would be able to dry quickly and withstand being submerged underwater. As usual, everything is completely nontoxic.”

Lasting Impact and Future Projects

Yoro estimates that the painting could last two to three months, depending on natural conditions. However, he acknowledges the potential for longevity, suggesting it could last up to two years.

Yoro traveled to Iceland and scouted for an ideal location to create 'A'o 'Ana.
Yoro traveled to Iceland and scouted for an ideal location to create “A’o ‘Ana.” “Just in the short week I was there, the icebergs all around me were constantly cracking and flipping,” he says, noting that the portrait was fleetingly short-lived.

The Message Behind the Art

This striking piece of art, titled “What if I Fly,” painted on the disappearing ice floes near Baffin Island, Canada, features the portrait of a local Inuit girl. Yoro’s goal is to ignite a sense of urgency towards climate change in those who encounter these murals.

To paint on ice, Yoro first applies an acrylic sheet.
To paint on ice, Yoro first applies an acrylic sheet: “It’s similar to Plexiglas. I had been experimenting with different techniques to be able to paint on ice and the best way was to have an acrylic ground.”


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