Coral Reef and Altos de Chavón Series

In 1984, David Andres began the Coral Reef series in response to firsthand observations of coral bleaching encountered while diving on offshore reefs. These encounters marked an early engagement with the visible effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, particularly across outer island environments.

During this period, Andres was invited to participate in a six-month artist-in-residence program at Altos de Chavón, located near La Romana along the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The residency, affiliated with Parsons School of Design in New York, brought together international artists for sustained studio practice and research.

The Coral Reef and Altos de Chavón series developed concurrently during the residency, reflecting a shift toward large-scale canvas works and sewn paper paintings informed by direct environmental observation. Together, the two bodies of work comprise approximately fifty paintings and represent a pivotal expansion of Andres’ investigation into marine systems, material process, and ecological transformation.

The residency concluded with a group exhibition and accompanying catalog documenting the work produced during the program.