Opening on Saturday 11 May, Our Ocean at RBC will show work by artists interpreting their thoughts about the beauty of our oceans, whilst addressing the threat posed to them by human activity. The showcased works will include sculpture, ceramics, original prints, engraved glass, letter carving, woodcuts and wood engravings.
The summer exhibition, which closes on World Ocean Day on 8 June, will convey the beauty of the natural world and encourage people to value, protect and nurture it. There will also be a ticketed event with a talk from glassmakers Roberta Mason and Neil Wilkin and food prepared by chef Dominique Goltinger to mark World Ocean Day and the last day of the exhibition.
Merlyn Chesterman RE - Weather Pattern (woodcut, 58 x 58 cms)
In his powerful message to 90 Heads of State at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference, Sir David Attenborough said:
“Our ocean defines our planet. It sustains it and is home to more than half of all life on earth today. The presence of the ocean touches every living thing, no matter where it lives. The air we breathe and the water we consume are ultimately linked to the seas. The ocean drives our weather and stabilises our climate. Nowhere is more powerful and unforgiving, yet more beautiful and endlessly fascinating. Yet for too long we have taken the ocean for granted. Our actions have pushed species to the brink and have had an impact on every ocean habitat, no matter how remote or how deep. We haven’t understood what the ocean does for us. The effects of climate change have been softened by the ocean, but now we are facing the consequences. The seas are warming, rising, and becoming more acidic. It’s a sobering thought that coral reefs may be lost within the next century.
We all need a healthy ocean so we must change our ways. Together with the right management we can repopulate the seas, we can reduce marine pollution and minimise the impact of ocean acidification. The ocean’s power of regeneration is remarkable - if we just offer it the chance. It’s not too late; we are in reach of a whole new relationship with the ocean, a wiser, more sustainable relationship. The choice lies with us.”
Our Ocean runs until 8 June. The gallery will continue to open by arrangement after 8 June.
At the Private View on 11 May, glass mosaic sculptor, Rebecca Newnham FRSS, and letter carver, Maya Martin, will demonstrate their skills, highlighting environmental themes.
World Ocean Day event at RBC - 8 June, 6pm - 8pm
On 8 June - World Ocean Day - glassmakers Roberta Mason and Neil Wilkin will talk about their work at a special ticketed event to be held from 6 - 8 pm. Roberta and Neil are evolving a sustainable and inspiring way of working and living on their smallholding in Wales. Drinks and substantial canapés, made by chef Dominique Göltinger with sustainably-sourced ingredients, will be available. Proceeds willl go to Project Seagrass Roberta and Neil volunteer with their local seagrass restoration project in Wales.
More information in due course, but please note the date or to register interest please email rachel@rachelbebbcontemporary.com.
Roberta Mason - Seagrass Superhero I (recycled glass)
Opening times
Currently by arrangement only
Openings times from 11 May 2024
Private View (by invitation only)
Saturday 11 May: 11 – 4
Thereafter
Fridays 11 - 4 & Saturdays 11 - 4, or by arrangement, until 8 June, after which by arrangement.