The Shark Trust and Blue Planet aquarium teams have been busy installing the Oceanic 31 shark art exhibition which will open to the public on Saturday 26th August and will run until Sunday 1st October 2023.
The Shark Trust has brought together a group of artists who are passionate about sharks, conservation, and using art as a tool for positive change. Each of the 31 paintings, drawings, sculptures and digital media represents a species of shark or ray that lives in the open ocean.
Why 31?
2021 saw a review of the status of 31 oceanic shark and ray species. Of the 31 species reviewed, 24 are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. Some of these species are famous – like the Great White or Whale Shark. But others, like the Pygmy Longhorned Devil Ray – aren’t quite so well known. Featuring all 31 in this exhibition is a great way to showcase just how varied and amazing oceanic sharks and rays are.
Why Oceanic?
Oceanic means relating to the high seas or open ocean. The species featured within Oceanic 31 all spend a large amount of time during their life here. These are the international waters beyond country borders, outside of normal jurisdiction and, crucially, at heightened risk from overexploitation due to a lack of agreed management and/or enforcement of regulation.
What can you do?
The Big Shark Pledge is at the heart of an ambitious campaign. By signing the petition, you can be part one of the biggest campaigning communities in the history of shark conservation. To put pressure on governments and fisheries. And make the positive changes required to safeguard these awesome sharks and rays.
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition gives us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. “
Unable to attend in person? The Shark Trust has created a 360° virtual exhibition. No matter where you are in the world, you can experience this awe-inspiring artwork.
Limited edition prints of some of the artwork are available to buy. If you want the chance to bid for an original artwork you can register your interest to attend the final auction. All profits will go towards the Shark Trust Big Shark Pledge campaign, working to protect the magnificent sharks and rays that swim in the high seas.
