Steeped in Japanese visual tradition, Kazumasa Nagai’s work relies heavily on intricate geometric compositions that he achieves through copperplate etching. The intensity of these fine lines creates the perception of movement—in this case, that of a ray gliding through water. Nagai began his LIFE series in 1987, from which hundreds of environmental posters have been issued. Of all these compositions, he noted: “I think that when designers design something, they should find the laws that already exist in nature and give them shape.” Like all island nations, Japan is disproportionately affected by the threat of rising sea levels. A rise of just three feet would cause the displacement of four million people, while outer islands would lose their drinking water to salt contamination.