The Bloom is a powerful new exhibition at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre that responds to the devastation of SA’s harmful algal bloom and the collective grief experienced by ocean-loving communities.
Launched on 6 February, the Zoë Brooks-curated, community-focussed exhibition invites reflection and healing through creative dialogue, exploring our connection and loss of connection with the ocean, and it runs until Monday 16 March.
Artists were invited to explore themes of renewal, environmental stewardship, community resilience and the fragility of coastal ecosystems.
The Bloom features photography, visual arts and written word as well as performance, sculpture, moving image and community arts. Read Zoë Brooks’ curator’s statement below, and learn more about the exhibition and its works at the council’s website.
Meanwhile, the council’s annual Port Noarlunga Arts Precinct guide is now available, showing you what’s on at the Arts Centre and Sauerbier House throughout the year.
You can download a digital copy, or grab a print copy from the Arts Centre, Sauerbier House, Hopgood Theatre and council offices and libraries.
The Bloom – Curator’s Statement
When first approached to curate another exhibition on the Harmful Algal Bloom, my first thought was – can I do this again?
These exhibitions are heavy, they embody huge amounts of collective grief, sadness and anger – my own included. I long to surf our beautiful once-pristine Mid Coast, to breathe clean ocean air. I miss my fishy-friends, and the endless days spent floating around on my surfboard. My happy place.
But what happens when it doesn’t make you happy anymore?
Toxic Surf is a project born directly from the Harmful Algal Bloom. The very first public forum ever held was called Toxic Surf responding to surfers experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms after being in and around the water at Waitpinga. Good Bank Gallery in McLaren Vale, soon became the collective making ground for an oceanic lantern parade, bringing together First Nations speakers, scientists, artists, activists and ocean-loving community to tell our collective story. About 400 people showed up to be in a lantern parade!
To be asked to curate The Bloom is a gift. It offers another chance to hold hope, to grieve and celebrate the resilience of our ocean loving community as we gather once more for each other and for our beloved ocean.
– Zoë Brooks
Pictured
Image: Scott Hedges, Anthropocene 002, photograph.