Ocean Virtual Art Residency
The Ocean Virtual Art Residency program, in collaboration with MANGO, empowers artists to embark on a journey of developing new projects centered around the residency's thematic focus: OCEAN. This residency aims to provide dedicated time and space for artists interested in ocean science, whether emerging or established, and to cultivate a collaborative community where like-minded artists can connect and create together.
The OVAR residency creates a welcoming, empowering, and challenging virtual space for artists. Over 5 weeks, participants met weekly to discuss ideas, critique concepts, and share resources and knowledge, fostering mutual support and project enhancement.
We are thrilled to showcase the projects developed by each artist during the residency. Through the power of art and the brilliance of these artists, prepare to be transported, inspired, and spurred to ignite your passion for our Ocean and their future.
Why a map?
We intentionally chose to present the participating artists using a map format. This decision was driven by our desire to visually highlight the global interconnectedness symbolized by our oceans. By mapping the artists, we aim to emphasize how, regardless of location, we all share a deep love and concern for our planet's waters. This spatial representation underscores our planet's interconnectedness and the collective efforts of artists to draw inspiration from the ocean and, through their work, inspire others.
Ocean Virtual Exhibition
We recommend viewing the map on a desktop. If you would like to see the map bigger, just click on the top right square. Every artist is placed on the map with a colored marker. When you click on the marker, you will see a window to the left of your screen with the name of the artist, their piece, the artist’s statement about their work, and a link to their website. Please click on the images so you can see the full image or video. If the artist has several pieces in the exhibition, you can scroll through them using the arrows.
Participating Artists
Una Janicijevic
Una Janićijević (she/her) is a Toronto-based, Serbian Canadian artist, designer, and mother whose work is informed by principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. She has 15+ years of experience developing multi-disciplinary, award-winning projects in publishing, media, arts, and education. Una’s art practice centers around hand-cut collage and explores the layered and fragmented relationships between the land and generations of its human inhabitants. Her pieces have been exhibited in group and solo shows and are held in private collections in North America and Europe. You can find out more at https://www.unaart.com/.
Van G. Garrett
The author of thirteen books, Van G. Garrett’s debut picture book, Kicks, an ode to the flyest shoes and those who wear them, was published in 2022 (Versify/HarperCollins). His second picture book, Juneteenth, was also published by Versify/HarperCollins in 2023. Van’s updates and appearances can be found at www.vanggarrettpoet.com.
Kirsten Carlson
I am always first a scientist—observing the world with curiosity and a desire to understand relationships in nature. I’m also an artist, graphic designer, photographer, scientific illustrator and children’s book author-illustrator. These skills make it possible for me to creatively interpret nature and inspire others to discover the scientist and artist in themselves through the sea life featured in my work. You can find out more at https://www.kirstencarlson.net/.
Dodd Holsapple
Holsapple created the inventive and widely popular living sculptural works entitled the View Planter Series. These groundbreaking works are extensively published and exhibited internationally and featured on a televised documentary presenting Earth awareness and Environmental concepts. Dodd's projects range from endangered species representations to conservation awareness and habitat protection. Currently, the Reflections Series painting works have been published in Al-Tiba9 magazine, Barcelona Spain, and The Uncoiled Magazine online. You can learn more at https://doddholsapple.com/.