Venice is no stranger to water. The Italian city includes a network of elevated platforms used by pedestrians when its world famous lagoon overflows into the streets.
But even Venitians are largely unaware of how water is changing the Pacific Island of Tuvalu.
"Maybe about 90 per cent of them have never heard about such a tiny island nation," explained Taiwanese artist Vincent J.F. Huang.
He and Dutch curator Thomas J. Berghuis have joined forces as part of this year's Venice Biennale, an art exhibition that features dozens of pieces representing different countries.
Mr Huang and Mr Berguis were selected by Tuvalu to come up with its installation, which went on display earlier this month.
"Crossing The Tide" consists of three swimming pools whose water levels rise and recede, causing an uncomfortable walk for visitors crossing the only available path.
Mr Berghuis said it illustrates Tuvalu's rising sea levels as a result of the global economy being favoured over the environment.
"It's an experience people enjoy and appreciate," he said. "But behind there we bring it back to the real world as well by saying this could be the future of Tuvalu."
The United Nations once listed Tuvalu among several island groups likely to disappear this century because of climate change.
More recently a study by the University of Colorado found human activity was causing sea levels to rise beyond natural fluctuation.
Climate Institute CEO John Connor said Tuvalu has been playing a lead role in trying to get wealthy nations, including Australia, to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions.
"Sea-level rises from climate change is not just a theory," he said. "It's happening now and it's impacting low-lying communities like Tuvalu. That problem is getting worse."
Mr Connor said scientists estimate sea-levels will rise by at least a metre by the end of this century.
Tuvalu MP Sam Teo travelled to Venice to see the installation, which he hopes will draw more attention to their cause.
Mr Teo said Tuvalu will continue to call for action later this year at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.
"They've already heard the message, but I think we have to keep (going)," he said. "The tide is there, the cyclones are becoming more ferocious bringing in bigger waves."
Mr Teo's wife Milly described living in Tuvalu as "a nightmare".
"We don't know what's going to happen," she said. "It's like we're living in an unknown situation."
Mr Huang said he hopes the installation will give Tuvalu a better chance of reaching a solution.
The Venice Bienniale runs until November.
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