From late October some of the large outdoor artworks will begin to be installed around the museum’s waterfront in the lead up to the complete exhibition opening on 11 December.
Conceived by Chinese arts organisation Parkview Arts Action and curated by the internationally renowned curator Huang Du, the environmentally-focused exhibition addresses the issues of shark protection, ocean conservation and the harmful demands of shark fin products through a variety of art forms.
Co-chairs of Parkview Arts Action, Alex and Nancy Wong said that declining shark numbers, which posed a fundamental threat to the health of the world’s oceans, had become the catalyst for the exhibition.
Australian National Maritime Museum Director and CEO, Kevin Sumption said the compelling artworks will be on display both in the museum galleries and outdoors along the museum’s waterfront.
"The uniqueness and, in some cases the sheer size and scale of the artworks, are sure to impress visitors. Importantly, the exhibition will provoke thought and discussion not only on global environmental issues, but also on issues Australia faces such as the ecological balance of marine life and our own endangered shark species."
Mr Sumption said the Sydney exhibition will also include a new Australian dimension, incorporating works by Indigenous artists exploring sharks as totems and their role in informing cultural and ecological sustainability in water, land and species. Objects from the collection of prominent Australian shark experts Ron and Valerie Taylor will also be displayed.
The exhibition first opened at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco in 2014, before touring to Moscow, Beijing, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
