Tropical Visions 1

The theme for 2016 "The Relationship between Humanity and the Sea" received over 250 entrants from around the world, of which 83 were selected as finalists for the exhibition; ranging in media from photography, oils, acrylic, and collage. The judging panel consisted of Dr. Annie Wilson ( School of Art lecturer at Deakin University), Libby Edwards ( Gallery owner) and Grahame H Williams CIMAN ( Scholar in Cultural Heritage and Art History). BACKGROUND This creative work engages in is aligned to RMIT's research focus in Arts, Ecology, Globalization and the Interpretation of Science (AEGIS) which is an interdisciplinary research network focusing on how practices of art and cultural critique respond to global ecologies. With a strong grounding in urban human ecologies research and with an emphasis on social processes of globalisation, AEGIS focuses on projects that prioritise the role of art in interpretations of natural history, science and technology. CONTRIBUTION This is a work which reflects upon the effects of climate change and increasing ocean pollution was having on the both the the 1.5 million merchant seafarers responsible for transporting more than 90 per cent of world trade and the health of the oceans. SIGNIFICANCE This work was not only seen by those attending the gallery but was available for viewing internationally via the physical catalogue of the Mission to Seafarers Summer edition, titled " From Ship to Shore" but also in it's on-line version which was accessible to many international seafarers and shipping companies.