A stretch of South Australia’s coastline is about to become the canvas for a once-in-a-generation artwork, and you’re invited to be part of it.
Internationally acclaimed Adelaide artist Emma Hack, who earned global recognition for her camouflage art after working on the iconic Gotye music video for ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’, is calling on 888 people to gather at Port Willunga Beach on Sunday, April 12th, to form the shape of a leafy seadragon in a powerful visual statement for ocean conservation.
Captured from above using drone photography and film, the large-scale installation will transform participants into a living artwork, with the final images and documentary set to be shared globally.
The leafy seadragon is South Australia’s official marine emblem and has been chosen as the centre for the piece, representing the beauty and fragility of the ocean.
“It is at this time, when our oceans are requiring our love and nurture, that we are coming together with the Great Southern Reef Foundation, City of Onkaparinga and our creative partners,” said Emma. “The Leafy Seadragon is the inaugural installation in my new series, Ocean Movement, in dedication to combining body, art, colour and ocean hope around worldwide.”
The project also marks the first installation in Emma’s new series, Ocean Movement, which is combining art, community and environmental awareness on a global scale.
The event is being delivered in partnership with the Great Southern Reef Foundation and the City of Onkaparinga, highlighting the incredible Great Southern Reef, an 8,000-kilometre marine ecosystem along Australia’s southern coastline.
Home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth, the reef includes the leafy seadragon itself, making it a fitting symbol for the project.
Participants will be guided into position on the sand to create the final formation, with professional drone footage, photography and a short documentary capturing the moment.
“The Great Southern Reef stretches around Australia’s southern coastline and is home to thousands of unique species found nowhere else on Earth,” shared Great Southern Reef Foundation co-founder Stefan Andrews. “The leafy seadragon is one of them. This installation is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose and what is still worth protecting.”
The City of Onkaparinga has also backed the project. Moira Were AM, Mayor, City of Onkaparinga added, “One of our key focuses at the City of Onkaparinga is protecting and maintaining our precious 31-kilometre coastline, which has been significantly impacted by the state’s harmful algal bloom. Emma’s vision supports our goal by bringing people together and raising awareness on a global scale, creating a lasting image of what’s at stake on one of our most iconic beaches.”
The experience is open to anyone aged 18 and over, with a minimum $20 registration fee. Proceeds will go towards supporting the artwork, future Ocean Movement projects and marine conservation efforts, including reef protection and habitat restoration.
For more information, click here.
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