"The Heart of the Ocean"

• This mural by Felipe Ortiz in Boston, Massachusetts depicts an imaginary coral reef that resembles an anatomical heart. 
• The artist statement is a call to action to do our individual parts in the fight against warming oceans.

Positives

• Students can bring their own ideas and interpretations to the artwork, which will help them to develop critical thinking skills.
• This mural invites students to view the ocean from the level of marine life living on its floor.
• The resource provides action steps that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should understand how warming oceans affect the coral reefs and the sea life that depends on them.

Differentiation

• Art classes could discuss how the artist statement and the emotional nature of artwork can be used to persuade viewers to see an issue in a new way. 

• Art students could analyze the composition of the mural and the contrast between bold, saturated colors and muted colors, and how the use of color delivers an emotional impact.

• Other resources related to these topics include this mural about marine animals' anger towards humans' impact on the environment and this lesson about polar climates.