'sea mirrors' by X-studio in itaparica, bahia, brazil
X-studio from mexico has conceived 'sea mirrors', a site-specific installation located across from salvador in all saints bay - the center of the biggest coastal gates of the state of bahia in brazil - on the island of itaparica. in this area, the population's relationship to water is hosted by a unique natural setting where the coastal landscape changes daily with the lunar cycles of the tides. with this large-scale work, X-studio's architect ivan jaurez wanted to create a dialogue with nature generated through the cyclical transformation of the sea. a series of ponds have been excavated on the dunes during the low-tide to propose personal spaces, or small oases for contemplating the surrounding scenery of the locale: the horizon of the bay, profiles of maré and frades islands along with the city of salvador. these serve as places for contemplation, settings to observe the fisherman in their boats and the clam harvesters in the extensive dunes, but above all, they allow the observation of daily happenings offered by the see through the movement of the tides. at sunset, when the tide rises, the dunes and their ponds disappear into the sea; the following day it is possible to rediscover these oases with the low-tide, acting as mirrors to the sky.

for the site-specific installation a series of ponds have been excavated into the island's dunes

a view of 'sea mirrors' and the surrounding coastal landscape

alternative view

the ponds are settings for contemplation and observation of the island's daily happenings


the installation changing over the course of the day according to the tide cycles

the local population's relationship to water is hosted by a unique natural setting where the coastal landscape changes daily with the lunar cycles of the tides