During his first expedition to the “New World” in September 1492, Christopher Columbus encountered a golden patch several kilometers wide on the surface of the sea. There was fear among the crew that the floating algae might block the ships, and the resulting panic made them want to return home. However, that did not happen, and Columbus ordered the voyage to continue, landing a few days later on an island inhabited by the Lucayan people, now known as the Bahamas. This golden patch, which nearly thwarted the subsequent colonization and massacre, is called the Sargasso Sea. It plays a crucial role in the study of marine ecosystems as complex habitats, providing food and shelter for various species such as birds, fish, and crustaceans.
Colonization, a reflection of one part of humanity viewing itself as superior to others, repeats itself in relation to non-human species through practices of extraction and appropriation. Perhaps Columbus's encounter with the Sargasso Sea was one of the first moments when a plant species was viewed with arrogance and disdain, despite this ecosystem having existed for 100 million years. This moment marked not only the beginning of one of the most destructive and genocidal periods in history but also the start of our disconnection from nature, perceiving ourselves as a superior species rather than one that is part of it.

In "O mar que não tem litoral" (The sea without shores), an expanded algaearium is presented—not merely an archive but an artistic and philosophical proposal where algae serve as symbols of resistance, prompting reflection on the transition from a humanity that dominates to one that is part of the planet. Macroalgae specimens collected from the beaches of Vila Chã and Ofir over a year and a half are now displayed in the gallery alongside notes on each specimen. Based on research into algae that have inhabited the planet for 1.6 billion years and produce the majority of Earth's oxygen, a space for observing and contemplating these ancient yet essential life forms is created.
What story might we tell today if Columbus had heeded his crew and the sign of the algae?