"Black Sand" is an evocative and thought-provoking art project by the Latvian artist Valentinaki that aims to shed light on the pressing issue of oil spills in our oceans and the devastating impact they have on marine life. Through a series of black three-dimensional paintings, Valentinaki draws attention to the ominous, death-like quality of the oil spill and its impact on the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystem. The title itself, "Black Sand," speaks to the contrasting forces of death and nature. Black, representing death, underscores the destructive force of oil spills, while sand, representing nature, emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability of the natural world. Each three-dimensional painting in the series is a hauntingly beautiful and somber representation of the devastation caused by oil spills, with its black texture and gloomy appearance. However, amidst this gloom and doom, Valentinaki's art project also offers a glimmer of hope, symbolized by the inclusion of a single white oyster shell in each painting. This oyster shell represents the resilience of nature and the possibility of renewal, reminding us that even in the darkest of moments, there is still hope for the future. Overall, "Black Sand" is a poignant and impactful art project that draws attention to one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Through her striking visual representations, Valentinaki invites us to consider our responsibility to the natural world and the urgent need for collective action to address the impact of oil spills on our oceans and their delicate ecosystems.