She & The Sea: A World Ocean Day exhibition brings focus to local climate challenges through art

The exhibition features Brighton-based mixed-media seascape ecofeminist artist Laura Callaghan alongside curated works from regional artists specialising in ceramics, textiles, and jewellery (Jenny Morrish, Lucy Morrison, Claudia Weatherley) and works from art students from BHASVIC (Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College) and Down’s View Life Skills College, Brighton (DVLSC) following special art workshops delivered by artist Laura Callaghan.

Artist Laura Callaghan noted: “For me, the ocean is not just a subject of artistic inspiration; it is a source of solace and rejuvenation. Growing up near the coast, I have always felt a deep affinity with the sea, and my art reflects my reverence for its vastness and complexity. Through my work, I aim to convey both the breathtaking beauty of our oceans and the urgent need to protect them from the threats of pollution and climate change.... World Ocean Day holds particular significance for me as it serves as a reminder of the critical role that each of us plays in safeguarding our marine ecosystems. This year's theme, "Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate," resonates deeply with my artistic practice, inspiring me to use my creativity as a catalyst for positive change. By bringing together artists, community members, and environmental advocates, "She and the Sea" seeks to foster a sense of collective responsibility and empower individuals to take action in preserving our oceans for future generations...."

Exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to engage with an art installation entitled "My Sea Bed," drawing inspiration from Tracey Emin's renowned work. It is a bed surrounded by marine debris, positioned in the Medieval Undercroft of The Crypt Gallery: encouraging community involvement, the installation invites attendees to participate in beach clean-ups at Seaford beach, to collect marine waste (including fishing tackle, 'ghost gear,' and plastic debris typically discarded by ocean waves along the shoreline) and to add this to the installation. Throughout the exhibition period, accumulated waste will serve as a visible representation of humanity's impact on marine ecosystems. All fishing gear and marine plastics will be recycled after the event by Angler's National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS).

The exhibition includes a talk by regional voluntary group “Sussex Underwater” who will be sharing their experiences of the Sussex coast, discussing marine sea life protection and actions to take to protect our local seas.

Laura Callaghan’s work has been showcased in exhibitions and galleries across the UK and she has had artwork endorsed by Sir David Attenborough. Laura’s work sells internationally to art lovers and collectors in the UK and to both public and private collections all over the world. Find out more about the artist here: https://lauracallaghan.co.uk/ Laura Callaghan, will be at the exhibition for the duration of the exhibition.

About the artists: find them via Instagram: Laura Callaghan @laura_callaghan_creativity / Jenny Morrish @jennymorrish.ceramics / Lucy Morrison @lucymorrison.art / Claudia Weatherley @claudiamadethis

Exhibition details:Dates: Saturday June 8th to Sunday June 16th 2024Times: Open daily 10am - 4.30pmLocation: Crypt Gallery, 23 Church Street, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 1HD FREE TO ATTEND