In my story, humanity engages in World War III, ultimately bringing about their extinction. The irradiation of the ocean causes a mutation in an octopus (Enteroctopus Dofleini), enabling her to pass on knowledge to her offspring.
Over the course of thousands of years, the octopus gradually becomes the dominant species on the planet. Technologically they flourish. Starting with stone tools, their civilization progresses past modern-day human science. At the end of six thousand years, they create huge Generation Ships, take the species off the Earth, and disperse across the universe.
While designing their history on Earth, I noticed a cultural hole--the lack of art. Now, these octopuses have a narrow emotional spectrum--curiosity, fear, admiration and disgust. However, the need for stimulation, something to occupy themselves with, as well as the desire to capture scenes from their history, is to me sufficient basis for the development of artforms.
Literature, music, and sculpting I have covered. However, I'm having difficulty when it comes to painting, specifically the materials required to produce it. Assuming everything remains aquatic (the act of painting upon a surface, the materials that make up the paint, etc.), how can an octopus create the materials needed for painting underwater?
- Octopuses will eventually venture onto land to gather materials, so assume for this question that this has not happened yet.
- Assume that this is occurring fairly early on in their history. Their technology is still pretty simplistic.