A new exhibition of South Australian marine conservation themed artworks will be officially opened in Port Noarlunga on Thursday night, November 27. The show is organised by two local not-for-profit organisations: Save Our Gulfs Coalition and the Marine Life Society of South Australia. It is being held at The Arts Centre, 22 Gawler St.
Around 40 artists have produced work in response to the exhibition’s theme: ‘Sand, sea and obscenity.’ Their work interprets both the beauty of South Australia’s gulfs and ocean and the threats these marine environments face. The work is diverse and includes paintings, photography, jewellery, sculpture, animation and mixed media. A special highlight is the inclusion of several large works by indigenous artists from the Tjutjuna Arts centre in Ceduna.
“The event is a celebration of South Australian creativity and presents a wonderful diversity of artistic skills and talent. The show is also wrapped with some sobering, informative context, “ says Dan Monceaux, Secretary of the Marine Life Society of South Australia.
“Some artists have approached the theme head-on, while others have chose a more subtle approach. The collective result is something very special.”
This year’s exhibition marks the third annual event of its kind for the Save Our Gulfs Coalition, but is a first for the Marine Life Society of SA. The Marine Life Society hopes to continue the project into the future, while advocating for improved environmental stewardship.
“Art and creativity are wonderful ways for people to personally respond to big picture issues and influence the attitudes of others. We’re encouraging creative people to advocate for positive change through their work,” says Monceaux.
“While we often perceive the sea as limitless and vast, it is suffering. There are many ways we can reduce our impact on our waters and coast and support their rich biodiversity.”
The exhibition aims to draw attention to the rich biodiversity of South Australia’s marine life while posing questions about our relationship with the sea. Visitors are invited to consider what we dump into the sea and how we harm the sea and beaches.
Works will remain on display until December 7.
[…] Gulfs Coalition, which is a minor sponsor of Cuttlefish Country. In 2014, it was presented by the Marine Life Society of South Australia, after which it skipped a year before being adopted by the Centre for Culture, Land and Sea. The […]