The horizon, symbol of separating the sea and the earth, dissolves in an artistic manifestation of an eclipsed existence: the marine life. A new exhibition, “Ocean whispers”capture the complex movement of the sea with eight photos and infinite sensations, bringing the deep to the surface.
“The sea has lessons that sometimes go unnoticed”says Darlien Morales Románphotographer and underwater boricua filmmaker, and organizer of the exhibition. “This event serves to look for that connection, again, through sensation”.
The exhibition will take place over several months – June to September -, in collaboration with Sociedad Environment, Crex Studios, Saffra Cowork and Fifth Order. The first part of the experience occurred last Thursday, in Saffra Cowork, in San Juan. The new day He was invited to participate in the Opening, which combined several techniques to create a fusion of art and ecological awareness.
Upon entering, the soft blue lights contrast with the fluorescent of the lobby. The feeling of diving was reinforced by an image of an eel with an open jaw that, for many, would be enough reason to swim in panic. But, for Morales Román, it is a moment of calm, one that underlines the importance of preserving a delicate environment.
“If you have a piece of the ocean, you can better understand”emphasized the professional and winning diver of two Emmy awards. For her, a mission of her project is to mitigate the fear of the ocean and replace it with curiosity.
To reinforce that goal, the artist chose eight photos, each with her own story of how she was found, how it was taken and how it was chosen. This visual component serves for the audience to have its unique story with the image, creating a personal relationship with the ocean, he described.
According to the underwater photographer, each image “speaks” differently. Although those words cannot be heard, Morales Román tried to bring the message from the ocean to a room surrounded by stations dedicated to different senses – vista, touch, smell and sound – so that everyone can leave with their own messages inspired by their connection using different means of causing emotion.
The odor station, for example, is the most immersive, because It is the best known sense of provoking emotion. Breathing the smell of the sea replicates a movement of a salty breeze, while traveling from the glass to the noses of the participants. The refreshing smell is complemented with a skin hydrant, texture such as the surface of a medium melted ice. The smell reminds that of a sunscreen, with fried coconut fragrance and light pineapple.
On the other side of the table, a glass container with sea water serves to put the fingers between the sand and let it fall, particle to particle, as a way to find calm in moving without hurry, using nature as a guide, according to the organizer.
For Morales Román, immersing the sea is a special feeling. Given his testimonies of hundreds of dives – in more than a decade of work – being under water forces to focus on breathing and itself, while still paying attention to the surroundings.
He stressed, incidentally, to surrender to the sea and lose control helped him navigate his emotions of confusion during the Covid-19 pandemia. In that period, he said, he obtained the photos that are seen today in the collection.
| Key dates |
|---|
| June 26. “Sensory whispers”: Opening and sensory stations |
| August 1. “Curiosity & Play”: Collective art and oceanic games |
| September 18. “Healing & Reflection”: Photographic Workshop and Panel on Art and Healing |
| All events will be in Saffra Cowork. |
Through this exhibition, Morales Román hopes that the participants, through photographs, will reach their homes appreciating marine science and marine environment. “The sea surrounds us, is part of our history. It is important, at least, try to know it”he stressed as his key conclusion.
In the coming months, “Ocean whispers” It will include community events focused on game, curiosity and healing. Saffra Cowork is located in the Ila Building, in the Marginal Kennedy, San Juan.
A portion of the sales of the images will go to the Marine Environment Society.
Interested people in comparing any of the pieces can visit darlienmorales.com or write to hello@darlienmorles.com.