Innocean Australia has partnered with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to create an exhibition highlighting the silent extinction facing Australian sharks and rays.
These endangered species are unique and live deep beneath the ocean that minimal research or imagery exists of them.
Over the summer holidays, AMCS asked Australian school kids to lend their imagination to bring these species to life through art, based only on scientific descriptions. More than 1,500 children entered, submitting paintings, sketches, and even paper mache sculptures, which were as unique and wonderful as the endangered sharks and rays themselves.
The top entries then inspired artworks by 10 of Australia’s most iconic artists, including Ken Done, Jennifer Turpin, Jonathan Zawada, Billy Bain, Dylan Mooney, Janet Laurence, Rosie Deacon, Sarah & Sebastian, Dion Horstmans, and Blak Douglas.
These stunning pieces are now being showcased at the ‘Fantastical Sharks & Rays’ exhibition at the Australian Museum, running until December 8th.
The free exhibition houses 20 artworks ranging from a Jennifer Turpin seaweed sculpture inspired by 4 year old Inara Wilson’s imagination of the whitefin swellshark, to Sarah & Sebastian’s lantern shark necklace set in bronze with diamonds, inspired by the imagination of 13 year old Zara Pease.
This latest project continues the successful long-term AMCS strategy of inspiring the next generation of ocean protectors, while also engaging their parents.
Australian artist Ken Done said: “I'm endlessly intrigued by the underwater world and happy to do whatever I can to raise awareness of the magnificent creatures that live there.”
Australian Marine Conservation Society shark scientist Leonardo Guida said art and science might seem like different pursuits, but they share a common goal: understanding the world.
"However, facts and logic alone can't tackle our biggest environmental and social challenges. That's where art comes in – it has the power to touch our hearts and minds, inspiring new perspectives," Guida said.
"By harnessing this power, the Fantastical Sharks & Rays exhibition evokes emotion, educates and allows us to see sharks and rays in a new light while urging action to protect Australia’s precious marine wildlife”
Innocean art director Pamela Parrelli referenced Sir David Attenborough who aptly said, ‘No one will ever protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.’
"To hold an exhibition of this scale, at one of the most renowned museums in the country, with so many iconic artists, means thousands of people will get to experience these endangered species," Parrelli said.
"We hope it inspires a new generation of conservationists.”
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