23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Ulva intestinalis, tubular abstraction

This close-up photograph captures the intricate forms of Ulva intestinalis, a green macroalga found along the coastal edge of the "Ciane's river" reserve in Sicily. The image focuses on the irregular tubular structures, revealing a natural composition that evokes abstract sculpture. The interplay of light and texture enhances the organic complexity, transforming a common marine organism into a study of form, rhythm, and spatial tension. The result is a visual meditation on the hidden geometry of coastal ecosystems.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Siracusa, Italy
Camera: Canon EOS M50
Copyright: © Mirko Caggioni