Transformative Currents

 
Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean examines the historical causes and ongoing effects of the cultural and environmental devastation of the Pacific Ocean and harnesses art’s potential to enact positive ecological change, both planetary and local.
 
Covering nearly one-third of the earth’s surface, the Pacific Ocean is home to thousands of interconnected peoples, species, and ecosystems—all under threat from climate change, industrial pollution, and overfishing. Works in diverse media by 21 contemporary artists and collaborative teams are organized around the theme of ocean currents, which traverse the Pacific and suggest fluidity, interconnectivity, and collective responsibility. Each project addresses a specific issue affecting the oceanic environment; together, they highlight the interdependency of resources and the impact of local actions on global problems.
 
At a time when the health of the Pacific Ocean is in a fragile and volatile state, Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean unites art, science, and Indigenous knowledge systems to raise awareness and improve coastal conditions. In addition to the Oceanside exhibition, there will be two satellite presentations at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) in Costa Mesa and the Crystal Cove Conservancy in Newport Beach.

 

Pictured: Paul Rosero Contreras, Dark Paradise 2 (Above); Angela Tiatia, Still from Holding On (Below, top); Genevieve Robertson, Sea Lettuce (Below, bottom).

Events and Programs

Join us for exciting events and programs themed and celebrated around Transformative Currents.

Art for All | Sunday, September 1, 2024, 12:00-2:00pm

OMA invites our community to a free, intergenerational art-making experience for all levels. Participants are encouraged to spark inspiration by visiting current exhibitions. Explore different art-making materials through creative projects at each session while learning from local and regional artists. This month we will focus on the Transformative Currents exhibition with featured guest artist Isabel Beavers. Beavers (she/they) is a transdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Through non-linear storytelling their work challenges us to imagine adaptive climate futures–ones that rely on alternative modes of knowing as structures for living.

In this Art For All workshop, participants will make their own nodule sculpture using 3D printed bases, and various treatments like copper leafing, oxidization and paint. Participants will also learn about how polymetallic nodules are created at the bottom of the ocean, and why they are being mined for their metal interiors.  Free.

 

Street Level | Friday, September 20, 2024, 6:00-9:00pm

Taking inspiration from our current exhibitions to transform OMA into a stage for the discovery of performers, DJ’s, culinary entrepreneurs and artists from across the street to all across Southern California. Bring your family, meet new friends, or roll in with your crew. Create your own O’riginal experience at OMA’s biggest social events of the summer.

September’s event highlights themes from the Transformative Currents exhibition, turning our focus to the Pacific Ocean as muse with two Oceanside born and raised acts to close out the season. Singer-songwriter Lea Love’s multi-layered artistry draws from her rich Hawaiian, Japanese, and Samoan heritage. Musical artists We the Commas bring their unique experience and perspective as “beach boy surfers” with a personal mission to break down racial and social constructs. The exhibition curators Cassandra Coblentz and Aaron Katzeman will introduce visitors to the exhibition, exploring art’s potential to enact positive ecological change, both planetary and local.  $15 Adults, children under 18 and museum members free. Register here.

 

Exhibition Celebration | October 5, 2024, 5:00–7:00pm

Join us for an evening of art and drinks as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibitions: Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean and My Intimate Partner. Discover and connect with fellow artists, dedicated curators, and a vibrant community as you explore the art and stories of Southern California artists in three new exhibitions at OMA. Members free, $15 Visitors. Register here.

 

Off the Wall: Transformative Currents | Thursday, October 17, 2024, 6:00-7:30pm

Off The Wall is a conversation series that brings together community leaders, artists, and curators to engage in discussions about current affairs affecting our region's creative health and well-being, both now and in the future. This series explores the museum's role in uniting art and community to champion culture. Part moderated conversation and part audience participation, every discussion aims to bring art off the walls and into our daily lives.

Featuring the lead curator of Transformative Currents Cassandra Coblentz, exhibition artist Fran Siegel, LA Times environmental reporter Rossana Xia, and OMA’s Director of Exhibitions and Collections Katie Dolgov, this round-table discussion will focus on the intersection of sea level rise and Southern California’s art community, while exploring how science and art can bring awareness and enact change.  $15 Visitors, $10 Members, $5 Artist Alliance / Students. Register here.

 

ART AFTER DARK | Saturday, October 26, 2024, 6:00-10:00pm

Part epic party, part runway show, part costume contest, OMA's biggest 21+ event of the year is back! Inspired by the Transformative Currents exhibition, ART AFTER DARK transforms the museum into a creative hub full of awe-inspiring wearable art costumes, live music, inspired spooky good libations, and the largest costume contest in the region. Early Bird Tickets $225 VIP, $115 Visitors, $95 Members. Register here.

 

PST:ART Regional Weekends, November 2-3 (South Bay/Orange County/North San Diego) and November 23-24 (San Diego)

PST:ART exhibitions throughout the defined regions will be activated by the artists and curators during the featured weekends.

 

Art for All | Sunday, November 3, 2024, 12:00-2:00pm (PST Regional Weekend) 

OMA invites our community to a free, intergenerational art-making experience for all levels as part of the November 2-3 PST Regional Weekend - South Bay/Orange County/North San Diego. Engage with Transformative Currents collaborating artists L. Frank and Jane Chang Mi. Drawing from their work in the exhibition, múyuki hísh pó’ putíi’un (she will dream many things), L. and Jane will host a workshop making clay sculptures of Tamawumal’s people. The effigies represent Tamawumal’s prayers that she will see her people again when they return to Minar, an offering of healing for Tamawumal, Minar, and the Indigenous peoples of Southern California.  Free.

AT ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART

AT CRYSTAL COVE CONSERVANCY

THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITION SPONSORS

Lead Sponsor

Transformative Currents is among more than 70 exhibitions being presented at institutions across Southern California as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, presented by Getty. This landmark regional event explores the intersections of art and science, both past and present. For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit: pst.art

Title Sponsors

This project is supported in part by
the National Endowment for the Arts

 

Program and In-Kind Sponsors

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