DestinationsPRESS RELEASE
Singapore, 10 November 2009
Gifts from the Sea – the Finest Pictures of Ocean Geographic
“Singapore’s first fine art photography exhibition reveals the mysteries and myths from 20,000 leagues under the sea.”
See through the watery lenses of some of the world’s most celebrated underwater artists at a fascinating exhibition that unveils the beauty of the underwater world while at the same time raises awareness of the fragility of our ocean environments.
Gifts from the Sea - the Finest Pictures of Ocean Geographic
The exhibition, organised by L2 Space and the Ocean Geographic Society, will run from 21 November to 20 December 2009, and will be officially opened at the opening gala on November 20, at L2 Space by Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings. The show will present for the first time in Singapore more than 50 high-quality, large-format and limited-edition photographic prints. The amazing underwater imagery has been contributed by some of the worlds most acclaimed underwater artists, including Wyland, David Doubilet, Ernie H Brooks II, Doug Perrine, Emory Kristof and Michael Aw. Singapore-based artists Ivan Choong, Mikael Jigmo and Edward Dixon have contributed as well to the exhibit.
Held at L2 Space РSingapore’s first fine art photographic gallery – this special collection of visually arresting images will reveal ocean life in a vibrant new light. The prints will feature astounding creatures, enchanting seascapes, the first image of the Titanic wreck, and captivating images of Antarctica. A selection of these fine art archival prints will be available for sale to discerning fine art collectors, and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Singapore Environmental Council (SEC) and the Ocean Geographic Climate Change Photographic Index.
“Oceans and their inhabitants are at a tipping point due to human impact on our environment, and we cannot afford to let this critical yet fragile ecosystem collapse due our action or inaction,’ said Michael Aw, founder of Ocean Geographic and a celebrated underwater photographer. “With this exhibition we emphasise the beauty and fragility of our oceans, and help the world get a rare and beautiful glimpse of life beneath the waves – life that we are capable of saving.”
In addition to the exhibit, interested photography enthusiasts will be able to attend four “Gifts of the Sea” underwater photography seminars that will be held each Sunday from 22 November to 13 December at L2 Space during the exhibition. Each seminar will be led by underwater photography pros Michael Aw, Mikael Jigmo, Mathieu Meur and Ivan Choong and will include slide shows, demonstrations and tips for aspiring underwater photographers. Please visit the exhibition’s Facebook Fan page or email info@OGsociety.org for more information on the seminars.
The exhibition will also serve as the official Singapore launch of the Elysium Epic, a photographic/scientific research expedition to Antarctica by Ocean Geographic. In February 2010, 50 of the world’s top environmental photographers, videographers, scientists and historians will follow Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition route to Antarctica, and will document the impact of climate change on the world’s most remote and fragile environment. Images from Elysium Epic will become part of the Ocean Geographic Climate Change Photographic Index.
About the Principal Photographers
- David Doubilet is the one of the world’s leading outdoor photographers/authors, with more than 65 stories published in National Geographic and other top publications. Fellow Explorer Club New York, Fellow International League of Conservation Photographer
- Emory Kristof is a pioneer in the use of underwater imaging devices, he created the preliminary designs for the electronic camera system that first photographed the wreck of the Titanic. National Geographic Photographer in Residence; Fellow Explorer Club New York
- Wyland is a renowned marine life artist who has painted hundreds of wall murals – the 100th of which was for the 2008 Beijing Olympic
- Doug Perrine was named 2004 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Fellow International League of Conservation Photographer
- Ernie Brooks is a highly regarded master of underwater Black & White imagery & past president of the world famous Brooks Institute.
- Michael AW is a photographer and producer acclaimed for the world’s first 24 hours coral reef shoot in 1999. Fellow Explorer Club New York, Fellow International League of Conservation Photographer
About L2 Space
The first fine art gallery in Singapore with a focus on contemporary and classic fine-art photography, L2 SPACE is dedicated to promote international and local artists’ works. Located in the heart of Singapore next to its bustling port, it is a contemporary venue for art exhibitions, events and arts-related activities such as Fine Arts Auctions, Group Arts Exhibitions and Festivals. For more information visit: www.l2space.com.sg or call: 8223 7667.
About Ocean Geographic
Ocean Geographic encourages deeper appreciation of the beauty and fragility of our ocean planet with the use of the finest imageries and passionate essays of the sea. The voice of the society, the Ocean Geographic almanac, endeavors to inspire the world citizen to greater awareness of the urgency to conserve and preserve our natural world.
Contacts
Edward Dixon +65 6539 9266, edixon@porternovelli.com
Yu Lei +65 9674 2680, lei@l2space.com.sg
Maia Juantia +65 8223 7667, gallery@l2space.com.sg
L2 SPACE 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark #02-02A
