Ann Elias traces the history of two explorers whose photographs and films of tropical reefs in the 1920s cast corals and the sea as an unexplored territory to be exploited in ways that tied the tropics and reefs to colonialism, racism, and the human domination of nature.
Set against the backdrop of 1939 Sydney, a diverse group of professionals, including artists, architects, and scientists, convenes to address the looming threat of war. Recognizing the crucial need for innovative military strategies in concealment and deception, they choose a zoologist to spearhead efforts in camouflaging Australia. This unique blend of creativity and science highlights the collaborative spirit and urgency of preparing for conflict through unconventional means.