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BLOOM, AURELIA AURITA

2016-2018

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Finalist Waterhouse Natural History Prize 2018

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Jellyfish have survived in Earth's oceans for at least 500 million years. There are over 2000 species which can be found in every ocean around the globe. Recent scientific studies have shown that jellyfish may be benefitting from the ocean's rising temperatures where other species are struggling. Like a canary in a mine, the recent rise in jellfish populations is a strong indicator of the changes occurring in the oceanic ecosystems.

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This work was originally produced for 'Oceans', a show at Three 0'Clock Gallery in Melbourne. The images were drawn directly onto glass panels outside of the gallery space using paint markers. I spent hours stippling the jellyfish onto the glass to create an 'invisible' effect to capture the bizarre transparency of these fascinating creatures.

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Working in public space gave me to the opportunity to directly engage with passersby in conversations about art, the environment and very serious issues currently facing Earth's oceans.

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Originally this work was designed as an ephemeral piece, to be wiped off at the conclusion of the exhibition. Yet, due to renovations in the centre, the pieces of glass were going to be disposed of and were offered to me to keep. After a very arduous afternoon, the six panels of extremely heavy panes of industrial glass landed in my studio, awaiting their next iteration.  
After seeing them piled atop one another the effect was so captivating that it was the next obvious step.I entered this version for selection to the Waterhouse Natural Science Prize at the Museum of South Australia and was successful in being  awarded a finalist placement. Below is the work being exhibited at the Museum of South Australia.

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