Mon Sep 16 15:38:56 UTC 2024: ## Marine Art: A Canvas for Ocean Stories and a Call for Decolonization
**Southampton, UK and Cape Town, South Africa (October 26, 2024) -** The Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition 2024 is showcasing the rich history and evolving landscape of marine art. From traditional seascapes to contemporary installations, the exhibition highlights the diverse ways artists have captured the beauty and significance of the ocean.
While historically marine art documented naval battles and maritime history, it has evolved to encompass diverse perspectives and mediums, including photography, poetry, and digital art. The exhibition underscores the deep human connection to the ocean, with examples spanning centuries and cultures, from ancient South African rock art depicting merfolk to Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave” and Māori artist George Nuku’s thought-provoking “Bottled Ocean 2123”.
However, a critical look at marine art reveals the need for decolonization. While the ocean has been a space of exploration and trade, it has also been marred by colonialism and exploitation. Researchers like Dr. Giulia Champion, Dr. Akshata Mehta, and Dr. Mia Strand are urging a shift towards incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in both marine art and science.
Dr. Champion, Dr. Mehta, and Dr. Strand, along with colleagues Dr. Aphiwe Moshani, Dr. Nasreen Peer, and Dr. Loyiso Dunga, are studying the storytelling potential of the Great African seaforest. This unique ecosystem, recently popularized by the documentary “My Octopus Teacher,” has been a source of livelihood, cultural significance, and spiritual connection for generations. Yet, they argue that the dominant narrative surrounding the seaforest overlooks the historical context of colonialism and apartheid.
Their research emphasizes the need for diverse voices and perspectives in understanding the ocean. They highlight the work of organizations like Nature, Environment, Wildlife, Filmmaking, which showcase the continent’s natural wonders from an anti-colonial lens, emphasizing the kelp forest’s deep connection to local communities’ culture and spirituality.
By embracing storytelling, marine art can bridge the gap between scientific data and emotional engagement. It can evoke empathy, challenge assumptions, and inspire action for the protection of our oceans.
The researchers conclude that “marine art has the potential to transform the way we think about the marine world. It can bring together different ways of thinking and experiencing the ocean, challenge assumptions, and find fresh ways of portraying life in, on, and under the waves.”
First Piper 