Page 26 - Art Almanac (February 2020)

Sublime Sea: Rapture and

Reality

Kirsty Francis

The ocean and its seas are a magnificent life-sustaining gift of nature, an alluring yet powerful
entity essential to the existence of human and animal life covering over 70% of planet earth. Since
ancient times we have been fascinated by the wonders of this voluminous being, relied on it as a
source for food, explored with scientific endeavour and used it for recreation and transport. And it
is easy to be absorbed in the splendour of the shimmering radiance and mystery it exudes.

Inspired by my own love of the sea, and energised by a recent road trip through Tasmania which
drew me to some of the most breathtaking seascapes in the state, ‘Sublime Sea: Rapture and
Reality’ called out to me.

Guest curated by Dr Vivien Gaston, at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery in southeast
Victoria, ‘Sublime Sea’ captures the beauty and power of the sea in diverse ways. Themes of
Journey, Immersion and the Grotto unfold across three main theatres with a display of over 100

26