An exhibition about the Black Sea, created by artists and scientists, has opened in Odesa

On October 8, the first RYBA LAB exhibition, “ABYSS: Life in the Dark,” opened in Odesa. It featured artworks created by artists in collaboration with scientists who study the Black Sea and the world’s oceans.

An Intenta photojournalist attended the event.

The exhibition was the result of a joint artistic and scientific collaboration between RYBA LAB and the National Antarctic Scientific Center. 

According to cultural manager Tetiana Taday, eight scientists and 12 artists joined the project. Works by some of the participants were displayed in Odesa, and the next installment of the exhibition series is planned for Kyiv.

As Polina Piskuryova, co-curator of the exhibition and co-founder of the RYBA LAB platform, explained, the workshop took place in April as part of an educational program. The artists attended lectures by scientists on the sea and then created their own works based on what they had learned.

Participants explored various topics, including biodiversity, ocean acidification, and the impact of military actions on the Black Sea. According to the curator, each work is linked to one of the topics discussed during the eight lectures.

Among the works on display is “The Only Right Way to Collect Shells” by artist Lilia Nevera. In her piece, the artist combined the theme of the sea with research on neutrinos—particles studied using special instruments in the marine environment.

Collaboration between artists and scientists is essential, as they share a common goal—to share their understanding of nature and their discoveries, thereby bringing the sea even closer to themselves and their audience,” explainedOlena Marushevska, the project’s scientific curator.

In addition to the exhibition, the organizers have prepared a program of performances, lectures, and other events. These will take place at various venues, including the American House and the Odessa Museum of Contemporary Art.

The exhibition will run until October 18, daily from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the courtyard at 19 Italiiska Street. 

Ірина Глухова