Oceans (Documents of Contemporary Art) Book

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, both dividing and connecting humans, who have saltwater in their blood, sweat and tears. At the same time, they represent a powerful nonhuman force, rising, flooding, heating and raging in unprecedented ways as the climate crisis unfolds. The sea has long enthralled artists, envisioned as a sublime wilderness and a home to countless mythical creatures as well as bizarre real species, and with the upsurge of art and exhibitions dedicated to the sea, the ocean has recently shifted from serving as a theme to informing artistic and curatorial methods, in line with developing watery, oceanic and tidalectic thinking. This anthology collects writing exploring the work of artists such as John Akomfrah, Matthew Barney, Tacita Dean, Ellen Gallagher, Joan Jonas, Wangechi Mutu, Martin Parr, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Paul Thek amongst many others.