Wild forces of the ocean displayed in Lake Mac exhibition
Published on 15 July 2022
A captivating art exhibition that explores the chaotic nature and disturbing forces of the ocean is set to make waves at Lake Macquarie’s Museum of Art and Culture, yapang.
Museum of Art and Culture yapang Curator and Operations Coordinator Courtney Wagner said the exhibition, called OCEANICA, included more than 14 major artworks by Hunter artist Peter Gardiner.
“We’re thrilled to showcase the magnificent body of work by Peter Gardiner – he has won four significant art prizes and been a finalist in numerous other competitions,” Ms Wagner said.
“While his work has been displayed in public galleries across the country, I think this exhibition will connect with the people of Lake Macquarie in a unique way.
“Reflecting our city’s position around our large lake and along vibrant coastal beaches, visitors will be able to enjoy stories of the sea, mythology and water as a severe force of nature, which is becoming increasingly evident in today’s climate.”
The collection consists of more than 14 large-scale works on paper and canvas as well as a smaller series of works, an immersive video installation and a soundscape.
Artist Peter Gardiner said he’d been working on the mammoth exhibition for three years and hoped viewers would feel as though they were being submerged into a vast and daunting ocean with panoramic scenes.
“I believe the ocean is a wholly horrific place and this exhibit reflects that – it’s not a place for the faint hearted,” Mr Gardiner said.
“This collection explores navigation, stories of old seafarers and sea monsters, dangerous voyages and the contest within the ocean surrounding military and trade.”
The main spectacle is arguably a 12m-long piece, while other show-stoppers include displays of storms, waterspouts, whirl pools and a giant squid.
OCEANICA will be on display at the Museum of Art and Culture from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 18 September 2022.
The Museum of Art and Culture, yapang exhibition program is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
For more information, head to mac.lakemac.com.au.