Twelve sculptures by Dutch artist Vincent Mock are installed along the coastline of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy. The expo features life-sized sharks, manta rays and sea turtles made entirely out of industrial fishing hooks. The masterpiece is a 12-meter-long sculpture of a whale shark, which will be auctioned at the end of the exhibition. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Sea Shepherd.

The 12 meter long whaleshark at Phi Beach, Porto Cervo, Sardegna.

The exposition is named AMO, meaning both ‘love’ and ‘hook’ in Italian. This unique exhibition by artist Vincent Mock is a manifesto of love for the endangered megafauna of the oceans, in collaboration with Sea Shepherd and Promenade du Port, Porto Cervo. Through his powerful and gracious sculptures, Vincent Mock aims to raise awareness around the importance of these species for the health of our oceans, and therewith for the future of our planet and humanity. Mock’s sculptures of life-sized sharks and manta rays made entirely of fishing hooks are a celebration of the resilience of nature.

From June to September 2021, fourteen sculptures by Vincent Mock will be installed along the coastline of Costa Smeralda, where the underwater flora and fauna are flourishing again since part of its coast is now a marine protected area.

“Individual art can be a very powerful means for global conservation. The work of Vincent Mock is a perfect example. Authentic, simple and direct. These are aspects Sea Shepherd can relate to. The work speaks for itself and is impossible to ignore”.– Geert Vons, Artistic Director Sea Shepherd

Underwater photos by Manfred Bortoli

Sea Shepherd artistic director Geert Vons interviewing artist Vincent Mock