Seafigures

Seafigures is a term used to describe three-dimensional or digital representations of marine life and seascapes created for artistic, educational, or research purposes. They can be physical sculptures, installations, or virtual avatars designed to evoke the ocean environment, its creatures, and its dynamics. Seafigures may be realistic, stylized, or abstract, and are often used to explore ecological themes, anatomy, or storytelling related to the sea.

Forms and materials vary widely. Physical seafigures are made from resin, ceramic, metal, wood, or composite materials, and can range from small figurines to large-scale installations. Digital seafigures exist as 3D models, VR/AR assets, or procedurally generated organisms used in simulations or immersive experiences. Production methods include traditional sculpting, casting, painting, and modern digital sculpting or 3D printing.

Applications and contexts are diverse. In museums and aquariums, seafigures serve educational purposes by illustrating anatomy, behavior, and ecological relationships. In contemporary art, they are used to comment on conservation and climate change. In education and research, digital seafigures help visualize complex marine processes or rare species. They also appear in entertainment and media as stylized characters or atmospheric elements within oceanic settings.

History and development have been influenced by advances in fabrication and digital media. The early 21st century saw broader adoption of 3D printing, AR/VR, and interactive installations, enabling artists and scientists to create more accessible and intricate seafigures. Ongoing work emphasizes accuracy, ethical representation of endangered species, and the preservation of both physical works and digital assets for long-term accessibility.