The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is proud to support the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) by hosting the work of 30 local and international underwater photographers. This stunning collection of images offers a unique chance to glimpse one of the world’s most diverse environments and to get up close with some of the species that call it home.
For low lying islands like the Cayman Islands, coral reefs act as vital barriers from storm surges and hurricanes. They support an astonishing variety of marine life – more than a quarter of all marine species globally – and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people. Yet without careful stewardship, these fragile ecosystems are easily threatened. The combination of global changes in ocean temperature along with local pressures such as pollution and over-fishing, has led to changes that could become irreversible within the next few decades.
Positioned at the crossroads between art and science, this exhibition brings together artists, marine professionals, scientists, curators and educators, to raise awareness about the beauty of, and threats to, our coral reefs. We hope to inspire conversation, to support ongoing research and management efforts and to strengthen long-term collaborations for coral reef conservation.
This exhibition and related programming is made possible due to the generous support of Cayman National.
Featured photographers: Emma Camp, Tracy Candish, Eleanor Chalfen, Cathy Church, Tim Codling, Martin Colognoli, Julie Corsetti, Ellen Cuylaerts, Chase Darnell, Sharon Davies, Darvin Ebanks, Laura L Fall, Carl Hawkes, Lucy Janes, Aubri Keith, Lauren Knuckey, Yuri Korchynski, Jim MacCallum, Elena McDonough, Lindsay McGill, Dusty Norman, Courtney Platt, Elizabeth Riley, Peggy Sinclaire, Brooke Sipple, Monte Lee Thornton, Mark Tilley, Jason Washington, Dale Williams and Bryan Winter. Programme partners: Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, Eco Divers, Plastic Free Cayman, Cathy Church’s Photo Centre, Courtney Platt, Stacie Sybersma and local schools.
More information here