The “Dream of Ocean ·Sunrise on the Sea” International Contemporary Art Exhibition is organized around the core themes of the East Asian Sea Project (PEMSEA) and the 2024 Xiamen World Ocean Week (WOW), exploring the profound relationship between humanity and the ocean. This exhibition places a particular focus on the critical role of coastal ecological protection in promoting social development and maintaining ecological balance. Artists from around the world will create works inspired by the unique environment of oceans and coastal areas, demonstrating the complex interdependence between humans and the sea, while calling for increased attention to marine ecological conservation.
International artists are invited to participate in residency programs, creating site-specific works based on Xiamen’s seascapes and local culture. Through a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, and video art, the artists will transform their interpretations of the ocean, nature, and humanity into visual art. The theme, “Sunrise on the Sea,” symbolizes rebirth and hope, reminding us of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems to ensure a harmonious future between nature and humanity.
This exhibition is not only a celebration of artistic beauty but also an international platform for dialogue, using art as a tool for education and raising public awareness of marine environmental protection. The works presented translate complex scientific and environmental issues into tangible and emotionally resonant expressions, making them more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.Since its inception in 2020, the “Dream of Ocean” exhibition has become a key platform for promoting international cultural and artistic exchanges on ocean-related themes, supported by the 2024 Xiamen World Ocean Week (WOW).
Over the past five years, it has attracted more than 100 artists from countries including China, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Germany, the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa, and the United States. The exhibition demonstrates diverse perspectives on humanity’s relationship with the ocean, and through interactions with Xiamen’s coastal elements, further enhances the potential for international artistic collaboration. With the support of various embassies and consulates in China, the exhibition has expanded its global influence, becoming a landmark event in marine art and cultural cooperation.
In this exhibition, artists not only express their respect and responsibility toward the ocean but also highlight the ecological fragility and cultural significance of coastal areas through their site-specific works. The exhibition serves as a global platform for dialogue between artists and the public, calling for greater attention to sustainable marine development and the future of the ocean.
“Dream of Ocean 2024: Sunrise on the Sea” International Art Exhibition
