Intricate Oceans: Coral in Contemporary Art

The Coastal Discovery Museum is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition "Intricate Oceans: Coral in Contemporary Art," opening Sept. 23. Featuring work from seven contemporary artists who are deeply concerned with the health of the coral reefs, the exhibition will explore through their work the environmental pressures facing our oceans.

International in scope, the exhibition will highlight work from ceramicists Courtney Mattison and Lauren Shapiro (USA), textile artist Vanessa Barragão (Portugal), painter Lisa Tubach (USA), mixed media artist Stephanie Kilgast (France) and sculptors Ginger Ertz and Mara Lefebvre (USA).

While the news surrounding climate change, pollution and over-fishing is grim and the effect on coral reefs undeniable, these artists have not given up hope. Each artist has a unique vision, but they all use their art to advocate for the health of the ocean with the goal of inspiring a change in public awareness and support for conservation efforts. Several of the artists have backgrounds in marine biology and collaborate with scientists, merging the beauty of art with the observations of science.

The urgency of the issue has never been greater. While coral reefs only represent 2% of the total surface area of the ocean, their effect on the ocean ecosystem is far greater, providing food and shelter for 25% of all aquatic species, protecting shorelines from storms and surges, acting as filtration systems for surrounding waters, and supporting tourism. As Dr. Sylvia Earle notes, “Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.”

The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept. 28, 5-7 p.m.

Curator’s Tours: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.2, 1 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.