New Catalina Island Exhibit Showcases Art Inspired by Kelp

A unique art exhibition focusing on kelp opens on Catalina Island, showcasing the work of artist and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter. The exhibit will be on display from November 8, 2024, to October 11, 2026, providing visitors with a captivating view of this vital marine flora.

Poindexter’s artistic creations utilize blue silk and cyanotype images collected during her underwater explorations around the island. These pieces offer a closer look at the intricate beauty of kelp, a plant that plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Kelp is not only ecologically significant but also serves as a focal point for many glass-bottom boat tours that highlight the underwater wonders surrounding Avalon.

The exhibition aims to intertwine art, science, and sensory experience, allowing visitors to wander through a “labyrinth” of silk pieces. Each artwork is designed to evoke a sense of calm, curiosity, and connection to the underwater world. Poindexter expressed her hopes for the exhibit, stating, “I hope visitors will feel the sense of calm, curiosity and connection that I experience underwater. Entering the forest of cyanotype silks is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and recognize yourself as a small part of something much larger.”

As guests navigate through the exhibit, they will encounter a variety of shapes and types of underwater specimens that flourish near the museum. The immersive experience is designed to be both intimate and meditative, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Catalina’s underwater environment without needing to dive into the ocean.

This exhibit is not only a celebration of kelp but also an invitation for visitors to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems. By exploring the intersection of art and science, Poindexter hopes to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world, encouraging individuals to reflect on their connection to the ocean and the life it sustains.

For those planning a visit to Avalon in the coming months, the museum offers a chance to experience this ethereal display of silk art that encapsulates the vibrant life just beneath the waves.