A color photograph of ocean vegetation.
Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean
Sep
7
2024
Dec
21
2024
Jan
19
2025

Transformative Currents 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 local and planetary. 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 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 coastal 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 state, Transformative Currents unites art, science, and Indigenous knowledge systems to raise awareness and improve oceanic conditions.

Crystal Cove and OCMA: Exhibition closes January 19, 2025

Oceanside Museum of Art: 

The ground floor portion of the exhibition will now close on February 9, 2025, while the second floor portion will still close on January 19. The artists in the extended portion are:

  • Irwan Ahmett and Tita Salina
  • Jake and Martha Atienza
  • Ohan Breiding and Shoghig Halajian
  • Megan Cope
  • L Frank and Jane MiCharles Lim
  • Tiare Ribeaux and Qianqian Ye
  • Genevieve Robertson
  • Fran Siegel
  • Angela Tiatia

In addition, the Marcos Lutyens stairwell installation will be on view through April 6, 2025. 

Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean Higher Ed Curricular Resource

"Dark Paradise – Chapter 2 – On restoration and future," 2023, Paul Rosero Contreras. 4k video – 5.1 surround system. Paul Rosero Contreras, 2023. © Paul Rosero Contreras, Dos Islas Studio / USFQ, 2023 – 2024.

Oceanside Museum of Art

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

WED-THU:11am-5pm
FRI:11am-8pm
SAT-SUN:11am-5pm
MON-TUE:CLOSED

Visit website

Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)

3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa

WED-SUN: 11am-6pm
MON-TUE: CLOSED

Visit website

Crystal Cove Conservancy at Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove Newport Coast, Newport Beach

MON-SUN: 10AM-6PM

Visit website

Locations

03
Sep
7
2024
Jan
5
2025
Oceanside Museum of Art.
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

WED-THU:11am-5pm
FRI:11am-8pm
SAT-SUN:11am-5pm
MON-TUE:CLOSED

Sep
6
2024
Jan
5
2025
OCMA Building. Photo by Jasmine Parks.
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa

WED-SUN: 11am-6pm
MON-TUE: CLOSED

Sep
21
2024
Jan
19
2025
Crystal Cove Conservancy.
Crystal Cove Newport Coast, Newport Beach

MON-SUN: 10AM-6PM

Sep
7
2024
Jan
5
2025
Oceanside Museum of Art.
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

WED-THU:11am-5pm
FRI:11am-8pm
SAT-SUN:11am-5pm
MON-TUE:CLOSED

Sep
6
2024
Jan
5
2025
OCMA Building. Photo by Jasmine Parks.
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa

WED-SUN: 11am-6pm
MON-TUE: CLOSED

Sep
21
2024
Jan
19
2025
Crystal Cove Conservancy.
Crystal Cove Newport Coast, Newport Beach

MON-SUN: 10AM-6PM