Coral reefs are often described as rainforests of the sea —vibrant, biodiverse ecosystems that sustain life and protect our shores. They are a symphony of sounds: purrs, pops, grunts, crackles, and croaks: a hum of life. But these vital habitats are fragile environments, making them vulnerable to loss from a range of environmental and human interventions.
Building on themes of displacement explored in SEWARDS 2023 DRIFTWO O D exhibition these new works reflect on the fragility of coral reefs, a symbol of displacement in their own right.
This exhibition will present a new suite of art works inspired by recent visits to Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and Lord Howe Island’s fringing reef. These trips, along with reef videography by Chris Van Der Spuy, and the calming and reflective sounds of Pete Pascoe’s rich piano melodies themsleves inspired by the sea, have shaped this series. The aesthetic is delicate and light including the use of fine art Japanese printmaking papers as top layered etchings in several of the Coral Scent series of works, yet the inky hues allude to the darkness within reefs. All works are unique states and created using non-toxic polymer gravure etching plates and beautiful viscous pigments.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s Reef Song Project uses sound to lure and attract fish to reefs in an effort to aid reef recovery. One key piece in the exhibition titled A Coral Symphony is an assemblage of etchings of coral imagery created from abstract underwater images. It is paired with a specially created soundscape by @al_dente______ of a living coral reef, inviting audiences to immerse themsleves in the visual and aural world of coral life.
The exhibition also includes two sculptural artist books that incorporate scrolled etchings, and housed in custom made archival solander boxes, one of which is a homage to the Reef Song Project. Learn more about these works during a Meet the Artist session on Saturday October 18th 12noon-3pm.
Images: Coral Scent series
Gallery hours Tues-Sat 11-5
Gallery contact details belinda@gallerysmith.com.au
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