The Shark Trust has brought together a group of artists who are passionate about sharks, conservation and using art as a tool for positive change.
Each of the 31 paintings, drawings, sculptures and digital media represents a species of shark or ray that lives in the open ocean. The exhibition can be visited at venues around the UK and can also be enjoyed virtually.
The exhibition is part of the Big Shark Pledge campaign.
2021 saw a review of the status of 31 oceanic shark and ray species. Of the 31 species reviewed, 24 are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. Some of these species are famous – like the Great White or Whale Shark. But others, like the Pygmy Longhorned Devil Ray – aren’t quite so well known. Featuring all 31 in this exhibition is a great way to showcase just how varied and amazing oceanic sharks and rays are.
Shark Trust CEO Paul Cox said:
“This exhibition gives us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works and to Trebah Gardens for giving us an opportunity to bring them together for the first time.”
Oceanic 31 will be on display at Trebah Garden, near Falmouth, England, until July 15th, 2023. The exhibition will then move to the Blue Planet Aquarium between Friday, August 25th until Monday, September 4th.
The exhibit is planned to tour the UK over the coming 18 months. Dates and venues will be announced on the Shark Trust website.
The Shark Trust has also launched a 360-degree virtual exhibition. No matter where you are in the world, you can experience the awe-inspiring artwork from the comfort of your own space.
To find out more, go to sharktrust.org.
(Featured Image credit: Marc Dando)