SHIFTING CURRENTS, 2025

Coral reefs are often described as rainforests of the sea — vibrant, biodiverse ecosystems that sustain life and protect our shores. They are a symphony of sounds: purrs, pops, grunts, crackles, and croaks, it is a hum of life. Changes in climate, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, plastics, overfishing, and unsustainable harvesting all contribute to the degradation of these vital habitats. If coral growth cannot keep pace with rising sea levels, over 200 million people worldwide could be displaced.

Building on themes of displacement explored in my 2023 DRIFTWO O D exhibition these new works reflect on the fragility of coral reefs, a symbol of displacement in their own right.

This exhibition will present a new suite of art works inspired by recent visits to Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and Lord Howe Island’s fringing reef. The aesthetic of these new works is delicate and light including the use of fine art Japanese printmaking papers as top layered etchings in several of the works, yet my inky hues allude to the darkness within reefs. Works are ambitious, unique states and created using non-toxic polymer gravure etching plates and beautiful viscous pigments.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s Reef Song Project uses sound to lure and attract fish to reefs in an effort to aid reef recovery. One key piece in the exhibition titled A Coral Symphony is an assemblage of etchings of coral imagery created from abstract underwater images. Gallery visitors are invited to listen to a specially created soundscape of a living coral reef.

SHIFTING CURRENTS serves as a reflection on the importance and beauty of coral reefs and a reminder to respect and tread lightly.

– Lisa Sewards 2025

Listen to the “the sound of coral” audio sample produced and created by Harrison Sewards

View a short video for an insight into the opening reception [click link]

Read an exhibition review by Art Critic Christopher Heathcote [click link]

Read the Q&A interview with Print Council of Australia’s Editor [click link]

Gallerysmith team Marita Smith, Belinda Neilson, Lulu Smith
Harrison Sewards @al_dente______ for soundscape audio production
Christ Van Der Spuy for reef videography and documenting artworks
Pete Pascoe for piano scores inspiration
Silvi Gattauer for assistance creating large scaled etching plates
Arten framing for bespoke hand crafted framing
Gold Leaf Creative for beautifully capturing the opening reception