Innocean Australia and AMCS Draw on Children’s Imaginations to Launch ‘Fantastical Sharks and Rays’ Exhibition at Australian Museum

These endangered species are so unique and live so deep beneath the ocean that minimal research or imagery exists of them. 

Over the summer holidays, AMCS asked Australian school kids to lend their imagination to bring these fantastical species to life through art, based only on scientific descriptions. More than 1,500 children entered, submitting paintings, sketches, and even paper mache sculptures, which were as unique and wonderful as the endangered sharks and rays themselves.

The top entries then inspired artworks by 10 of Australia’s most iconic artists, including Ken Done, Jennifer Turpin, Jonathan Zawada, Billy Bain, Dylan Mooney, Janet Laurence, Rosie Deacon, Sarah & Sebastian, Dion Horstmans, and Blak Douglas.

These stunning pieces are now being showcased at the ‘Fantastical Sharks & Rays’ exhibition at the Australian Museum, running until December 8th. The free exhibition houses 20 artworks ranging from a Jennifer Turpin seaweed sculpture inspired by 4 year old Inara Wilson’s imagination of the whitefin swellshark, to Sarah & Sebastian’s lantern shark necklace set in bronze with diamonds, inspired by the imagination of 13 year old Zara Pease.

This latest project continues the successful long-term AMCS strategy of inspiring the next generation of ocean protectors, while also engaging their parents.

Sharks have a fierce reputation but a world without them is far scarier. The project aims to challenge the reputation of sharks and rays as predators, fostering a new appreciation for their variety of species and fascinating characteristics; the likes of which might not be around for too long if commercial fishing continues at such scale. That’s why every visitor through the doors is prompted to sign a petition to help stop overfishing of these endangered and unique species in Australian waters and encourage the government to take action! 

Iconic Australian artist Ken Done said, “I'm endlessly intrigued by the underwater world and happy to do whatever I can to raise awareness of the magnificent creatures that live there.”

Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said, "Art and science might seem like different pursuits, but they share a common goal: understanding the world around us. However, facts and logic alone can't tackle our biggest environmental and social challenges. That's where art comes in – it has the power to touch our hearts and minds, inspiring new perspectives. By harnessing this power, the Fantastical Sharks & Rays exhibition evokes emotion, educates and allows us to see sharks and rays in a new light while urging action to protect Australia’s precious marine wildlife”

Pamela Parrelli, Innocean art director, said, “As Sir David Attenborough aptly said, ‘No one will ever protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.’ To hold an exhibition of this scale, at one of the most renowned museums in the country, with so many iconic artists, means thousands of people will get to experience these endangered species. We hope it inspires a new generation of conservationists.”

The free exhibition runs at the Australian Museum in Sydney, until December 8th, 2024.