Residents and visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the underwater world of contemporary artist Aria Swan, whose work is currently featured across Shellharbour through a major exhibition at Shellharbour Airport and public artworks displayed in bus shelters throughout the city.
Where the Ocean Grows Quiet transforms the airport into a calming, ocean-inspired gallery space, showcasing paintings that explore a world beneath the surface, where light softens and movement slows.
Running until 10 November, the free exhibition is the latest instalment of Council's Art in Unexpected Places program, inviting viewers to pause, reflect and experience moments of stillness through layered blues, fluid forms and contemplative depictions of marine life.
In a rare showcase for the program, Aria's work can be experienced simultaneously at the airport and across multiple bus shelters, creating a city-wide artistic journey that stretches from the airport to everyday public spaces.
Caption: Aria Swan's exhibition Where the Ocean Grows Quiet is on display at Shellharbour Airport until 10 November as part of Council's Art in Unexpected Places program.
"This is a unique opportunity to experience Aria's work across two very different public settings at the same time," Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.
"Through both the airport exhibition and the bus shelter installations, Art in Unexpected Places is bringing creativity into the spaces people move through every day, making art more accessible and creating opportunities for unexpected moments of inspiration."
The immersive displays transform everyday waiting spaces into windows into the ocean, extending the reach of the exhibition beyond traditional gallery settings and allowing residents to encounter contemporary art as part of their daily routines.
"Aria's stunning works celebrate the beauty of our natural environment and invite viewers to pause and appreciate the extraordinary world that exists beneath the ocean's surface," Mayor Homer said.
Caption: Aria Swan's artworks are currently featured in bus shelters across Shellharbour as part of Council's Art in Unexpected Places program. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Originally from Finland, Aria has long been drawn to aquatic environments, having spent much of her childhood swimming in lakes.
After moving to Australia, a chance encounter with a stingray sparked a deep fascination with the underwater world and inspired her to pursue painting professionally.
Working across oils and acrylics, Aria creates atmospheric works that blend abstraction and representation, capturing the movement and beauty of marine life while exploring themes of connection, resilience and belonging.
"I hope these works encourage people to slow down and reconnect with the natural world," Ms Swan said.
"The ocean has an extraordinary ability to inspire curiosity, reflection and wonder.
"Whether someone encounters the artwork at the airport or while waiting for a bus, I hope it creates a moment of calm and connection in their day."
Aria holds a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts from the University of New South Wales and has exhibited extensively throughout Australia and Finland. Her work is held in private collections nationally and internationally.
Where the Ocean Grows Quiet is on display at Shellharbour Airport until 10 November and admission is free.
Visitors also have the opportunity to meet Aria during a series of free artist walk-and-talk sessions at Shellharbour Airport:
- Sunday 20 September, 12pm - 2pm
- Sunday 18 October, 12pm - 2pm
Council's Art in Unexpected Places program brings contemporary artworks into everyday public spaces, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to encounter art beyond traditional gallery walls.
Aria's bus shelter artworks can be viewed at:
- 211 Princes Highway, Rotary Park, Albion Park Rail
- Shellharbour Primary School, Mary Street, Shellharbour
- Lake Entrance Road (Wattle Road intersection)
- 128 Shellharbour Road, Warilla
To stay updated on upcoming artist opportunities or to explore previous works featured in the program, visit the arts and culture section of Council's website(Opens in a new window).
