Pearls of the Sea: The Sea and Me
SIMON ANTHONY HOBSON
Pablo Picasso famously observed “Every child is an artist.The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” With this in mind, stroll along to the wonderfully life-affirming and joyous Pearls of the Sea: The Sea and Me.
I love the sound of the sea …
The exhibition is the latest result of the ongoing programme between Hastings Contemporary and local schools, and enables children to get creative about the sea. Creativity is the freest form of self-expression and it is marvellously encouraging to see children expressing themselves openly and without judgement. Their ability to create from personal feelings and experiences is inspiring. Nestled at the back of the gallery, facing the fishing beach, are the huts created by the children in ‘Beside the Seaside’, which are miniature marvels. You can almost sense the salt-splattered air, chattering children and swooping seagulls. Ecology, netting, sea creatures and vibrant colour create a magical underwater world in ‘Undiscovered Sea Creatures’ and ‘Fishing for scraps’. ‘The Enchanted World of the Sea’ is a delicate mosaic work reminiscent of the Bottle Alley mosaic technique, recreating marine beauty from recycled materials.
Upstairs, the exquisite work continues with scientific-style illustrations, showing the richness and diversity of what we have on our shore. In ‘Marine Life’ and in ‘It’s not a weed’ the children invite us to reappraise how we view seaweed. The show is charmingly rounded off with a film, The adventurous Sea Creatures visit the Gallery: Lilliputian puppeteers bob their creations up and down to their final destination.
This enchanting show demonstrates how creativity is nurtured in children through community engagement and curation, developing local ownership.
The exhibition runs from 27 March until 2 June at Hastings Contemporary
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