MN Marine Art Museum- Alexis Rockman: Oceanus

About

Journey through the powerful intersection of art, science, and history in Alexis Rockman: Oceanus. This exhibition confronts humanity's relationship with the ocean, exploring biodiversity, climate change, and the enduring impact of human activity on our seas. At the heart of the exhibit is an awe-inspiring 8’ x 24’ oil painting, a timeline of human intervention in marine environments. Its climax—a radiant tsunami wave of epic proportions—symbolizes both the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Beneath the waves, marine species vividly illustrate stories of exploitation, resilience, and survival, from the era of whaling to the modern challenges of seabed mining.

Complementing the centerpiece are ten watercolors, each a vivid meditation on themes of ecosystem decline and species survival. These works, commissioned in 2021 by Mystic Seaport Museum, blend historical maritime artifacts with groundbreaking scientific insights to create an immersive, thought-provoking experience.Oceanus is more than an art exhibition—it’s a call to reflect on the legacy we leave behind and a celebration of the ocean's enduring power and wonder.