INTO THE OCEANIC is a direct step on from Ogilvie & Page’s previous work MEANDER, designed for large scale urban projection. This time moving from the river, to the ocean…

ARTPORT_making waves invited the duo to come onboard the project WE ARE OCEAN to showcase an impacting art-science film project which will be part of their informal educational program. INTO THE OCEANIC involves two films: an artist’s documentary film - both lyrical and analytical in form - chronicling the pursuit of new research in an environmental artist’s practice and creative film projections. The documentary film reveals investigation, experimentation, risk-taking and collaboration with world-class scientists. The documentary is an invaluable catalyst and educational tool for educators, curators, students and the public, revealing artists’ and scientists’ thinking and approach to art making as a conceptual journey, reflecting collectively, thinking ahead, reporting, questioning and sharing. During the ongoing collaboration the project will examine how artists and scientists can apply their skills as collaborators to provide foresight and clarity in regard to the climate emergency, our relationship with the environment and our historical responsibility for what occurs in it.

The WE ARE OCEAN global program presented INTO THE OCEANIC during COP26. The creative film, evolving from months of research and the science findings during collaboration with international scientists embraces ideas from science and philosophy. The colour, sound and movement of the creative film has been digitally manipulated to create poetic sequences. Immersive projections of footage shot in key areas of marine conservation in Scottish waters – including kelp forests, seagrass meadows and plankton, all key in carbon sequestering – is intercut with film shot by partners globally, inspiring viewers drawn into these marine worlds.

Partnering with Double Take Projections, the creative film was dramatically projected, enveloping whole building façades across Glasgow and Edinburgh, launched at Glasgow Science Centre during COP26. By projecting the works outdoors, INTO THE OCEANIC brings local communities together to enter into a shared dialogue.

Engagement with the environment in an inclusive way is key to this collaboration. In their approach to public participation, the artists and scientists aim to connect with the widest range of people, particularly those from under-represented and disadvantaged groups, taking positive action to encourage young people and individuals from different backgrounds and areas of deprivation.

Meet the Team

Elizabeth Ogilvie
International environmental artist & academic | Project director, artist & filmmaker

Robert Page
Environmental artist-filmmaker & academic | Project director, artist & filmmaker

Anne-Marie Melster
International interdisciplinary curator & environmental advocate | Project catalyst

Yulia Kovanova
Artist & academic | Project manager

DoubleTake Projections
Architectural projection mapping | Outdoor projection installations

Dr Rachel Joy Harkness
Author & academic | Events moderator

Patrick Casey O’Shea
Artist & researcher (human geography & ecology) | Project monitor

David Cass
Environmental artist & designer | Project designer