Artist draws attention to water crisis using a universal symbol of life
Lenten Campaign 2025
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What happens when you take 66,000 cups, 3,963 gallons of colored rainwater, 100 volunteers and 62 hours of work? A surprisingly lovely piece of art.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), 4.8 billion people — more than half the world’s population — will be at risk due to stress on water supplies by 2050 if the problem is not addressed.
To raise awareness about the clean-water crisis around the globe, the artist Belo created a moving image out of cups of rainwater. The cups were compostable and biodegradable, and the rainwater was colored with vegetable dye. The work of art measured 3,600 square feet, and the image it reveals not only symbolizes the necessity of clean water to sustain life but is perfect for reflecting on the message of Christmas, when we celebrate the Christ child.
