On Thursday, the 11th of August, we celebrated the official inauguration of Panthalassa. In the words of Panthalassa founder Sergio Penzo, »Panthalassa is the result of all we believe in, but most importantly, it is a platform made possible by the many beautiful souls we’ve met on this journey.« 

Panthalassa is the literal translation from Greek meaning »universal sea«, also known as the Panthalassic Ocean. It was the vast global ancestral Pacific ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea.  The idea behind this very first eponymous exhibition was to gather each ocean in one space.  So through a collective exhibition, we chose to introduce the Panthalassa Society, our global network of contributors, writers, painters, and artists: The Australian underwater photographer Mark Tipple, Maltese photographer Kurt Arrigo, Chilean illustrator Daniela Garreton, French cinematographer Pierre David,  photographer Sarah Arnould, Glasser Tristan Mausse, Shaper & Acne Designer Robin Kegel, cinematographer Douglas Guillot, photographer and writer Elisa Routa, and NY-based artist Zaria Forman.   

One of the evening highlights was NYC-based artist and TED speaker Zaria Forman who delighted everyone with a beautiful speech about her work addressing the environment, conveying the urgency of climate change. »My career is dedicated to translating and illuminating scientists’ warnings and statistics into an accessible medium that people can connect with, on a level that might be deeper than scientific facts can penetrate.« said the american artist about her personal engagement in protecting the environment and playing a part in saving our planet. »I choose to convey the beauty, as opposed to the devastation. If people can experience the sublimity of these landscapes, perhaps they will be inspired to protect and preserve them.«

Our surfboard »Cephalopoard« made in collaboration with shaper Robin Kegel, using squid ink as a pigment, as well as a selection of 15 artworks and Zaria Forman’s large scale pastel drawing can be seen at Providence Guéthary, in France, until the 24th of August. And who knows, if you are lucky you might even bump into actor Vincent Cassel who is spending some days in Guéthary and brought a touch of je-nes-sais-quoi to our party.  

Photos by Sarah Arnould/ Panthalassa

The post Panthalassa Launch Recap appeared first on PANTHALASSA.

Panthalassa will be celebrating its official launch at »Providence« in Guéthary, France. 

By holding our very first exhibition on the next 11th of August, we will be officially presenting Panthalassa to the world through a collective art exhibition that embodies our DNA and passion for the ocean.

©Tristan Mausse

Panthalassa is the literal translation from Greek, meaning »universal sea«, also known as the Panthalassic Ocean. It was the vast global ancestral Pacific ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea. In order to honor the ancestral meaning of Panthalassa, we will bring all the oceans together into one show. During a 2-weeks art exhibition (11th-24th, August), every ocean will be represented by an artist his/her artworks. 

©Sarah Arnould

From the Pacific ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea, our international community of artists will share with us their vision of the ocean, giving us a genuine insight of what their relationship to the vast infinity blue looks like. 

©Kurt Arrigo

For the opening reception, we’ll be honored with the presence of our special guest, American artist and TED Speaker Zaria Forman. It will be the occasion to share our common passion for the ocean over a glass of wine, partly »vinifié« under water in the bay of Saint Jean de Luz, and some of the most delicious oysters farmed in France.

Through storytelling, art and by stimulating all the five senses, we’ll offer attendees the opportunity to have an intimate experience with the ocean. 

Greenland #63 / 50″ x 75″ / Soft pastel on paper. ©Zaria Forman

It was also important for Panthalassa to choose carefully a unique place capable of understanding, nurturing, encouraging and inspiring ocean-related stories, art and creativity. Over the decades, art and the ocean has played an important role in Guéthary. Known as an avant-garde place for intellectuals and artists, the fishermen’s village holds a literary spirit where Jacques Rigaut wrote »Le Cadavre exquis« in 1926, and where author and poet Paul-Jean Tourlet had his habits.

©Mark Tipple

Panthalassa Official Launch Exhibition

Opening Reception: 11th of August

Location: Providence Guéthary, France

Time: 7pm- 11pm

Exhibition duration: 11- 24 August

The post Panthalassa Official Launch appeared first on PANTHALASSA.