- Ruwanthi Gajadeera’s ‘S.O.S.’ immerses us in the story of the X-Press Pearl disaster
In May 2021, the X-Press Pearl cargo ship caught fire off the coast of Sri Lanka, unleashing one of the most catastrophic marine disasters in history. The event, which spilled tonnes of plastic pellets, toxic chemicals, and fuel into the Indian Ocean, devastated marine ecosystems, disrupted livelihoods, and left a haunting legacy of destruction.
For artist, fashion designer, and environmental advocate Ruwanthi Gajadeera, this tragedy demanded more than numbers and reports – it called for a visceral response.
Her project, Save Our Seas or S.O.S., is a multi-sensory exhibition that transforms the scientific aftermath of the X-Press Pearl disaster into an emotionally charged experience, drawing audiences into the heart of the crisis and calling them to action. Through scent, sound, touch, and visual storytelling, the exhibition connects visitors to the ocean’s plight in ways that resonate deeply and linger long after they leave.
The power of sensory immersion
“The X-Press Pearl disaster is a deeply visceral tragedy that goes beyond statistics; it affects lives, ecosystems, and future generations,” Gajadeera explained. “A multi-sensory approach allows me to convey the magnitude of this event in a way that words or visuals alone cannot.”
At the exhibition, ocean-inspired scents – developed with International Flavours and Fragrances – blend with underwater soundscapes, and Sri Lankan heritage crafts evoke the textures of marine life. Visitors don’t just see the ocean’s devastation; they feel it, smell it, and hear it. “Unlike traditional exhibitions, which often rely on passive observation, this approach invites active participation, ensuring the message lingers long after the experience ends,” she said.
This immersive methodology does more than evoke empathy; it bridges the gap between awareness and action. By engaging the senses, Gajadeera creates a profound emotional connection that inspires audiences to see themselves as part of the solution.
Making science tangible
Turning scientific data into an accessible and emotionally resonant narrative was no small feat. Gajadeera worked closely with marine biologist Dr. Asha de Vos to distil the complexities of the disaster into relatable and impactful elements.
“The biggest challenge was striking a balance between accuracy and accessibility,” she said. “Scientific data can often feel overwhelming, so my goal was to humanise it without diluting its significance.”
Using fabrics to represent ocean layers and pollution, she translated abstract data into something tangible. Tactile installations allowed visitors to grasp the scale of the damage, while visual analogies made concepts like marine ecosystems and pollution dynamics more comprehensible.
But it wasn’t just about portraying devastation. “Another challenge was ensuring the emotional tone was impactful but not paralysing,” Gajadeera shared. “I wanted to offer hope and pathways for action alongside the stark reality of the disaster.”
The exhibition transitions from the grim aftermath of the X-Press Pearl disaster to a hopeful vision of recovery, showing what’s possible through collective action. Workshops like the Ocean Upcycling Atelier encourage sustainable practices, while localised solutions and community-driven efforts are highlighted as beacons of resilience.
A collaboration rooted in purpose
Working with Dr. de Vos and organisations like the European Marine Board enriched Gajadeera’s understanding of the systemic challenges facing marine ecosystems. From pollution and overfishing to the broader impact of global trade, the project expanded to address the interconnected nature of these issues.
“The wave structure in the installation mirrors how one disaster like the X-Press Pearl can cascade through ecosystems, economies, and communities,” Gajadeera explained. This metaphor underscores the ripple effects of human activity on fragile ocean systems.
Dr. de Vos’s role was pivotal in ensuring the project remained scientifically grounded and action-oriented. “She was committed to ensuring that the science remained accurate and that the public’s attention was directed toward meaningful action rather than unnecessary distractions,” Gajadeera reflected.
Dr. de Vos’s ability to distil complex marine issues into relatable stories inspired the exhibition’s clarity and purpose. Together, they crafted a narrative that is both deeply empathetic and rigorously scientific, ensuring the message resonates with diverse audiences.
Expanding the conversation
Save Our Seas is more than an exhibition – it’s a movement to change how we think about our relationship with the ocean. “The project will culminate in an exhibition at the Royal College of Art, with two additional exhibitions planned in London and Nice next year, extending the conversation to new audiences,” Gajadeera said, emphasising the universal stakes of ocean conservation.
“The collaboration deepened my appreciation for the role of localised solutions and community-driven efforts,” she said. These themes are woven into the exhibition, celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of those on the frontlines of marine conservation.
As visitors leave the exhibition, they carry with them more than an experience; they carry a call to action. Through the scent of the sea, the sound of its depths, and the feel of its textures, Gajadeera’s work ensures the ocean’s cry is not forgotten.
A hopeful vision
For Gajadeera, Save Our Seas is a testament to the power of art and science working in harmony. It’s a reminder that even in the face of devastation, there is hope, as long as we are willing to listen, learn, and act.
“The ocean’s recovery is not just possible – it’s imperative,” she said. “But it requires all of us to take responsibility, to see the connections between our actions and the world around us.”
Through her transformative project, Ruwanthi Gajadeera ensured that the story of the X-Press Pearl disaster is not just told but felt, remembered, and acted upon – a legacy of empathy and action for generations to come.