At Advanced Marine Biomanufacturing and Bioproducts Technology (AMB2T) we build bridges with the community, industry and markets. We are currently developing advanced biomanufacturing processes for industry, utilising marine biowaste for the creation of sustainable eco-friendly polymers, plastics, and for translation into biodegradable composite marine and terrestrial-based products. The team, formerly known as the Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development (CMBD) from 2009 to 2022, has sustainably utilised the ocean’s natural resources to benefit society and solve some of the world’s biggest problems. As part of our community outreach program, we collaborate with artist and science communicator, Niki Sperou, to share our stories.
Out of the Blue is an ongoing and evolving project in which we inform local school students about the science and potential use of marine macroalgae for food, medicine, and other applications. Initially supported by an Inspiring SA, Art and Science Working Together Grant, the project has involved numerous South Australian school children, CMBD, The State Herbarium of SA, Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa, Riddoch Gallery, Mount Gambier, Gallery 1855, Tea Tree Gully.
Marine macroalgae harvested from the Limestone Coast of South Australia was acquired from Australian Kelp products, an industry partner of CMBD. CMBD developed the science for its various applications. The State Herbarium taught Niki Sperou how to fix the specimens which she then photographed for translation into fabric cyanotypes (blueprints). She continues to lead workshops for students to educate them about the applications of marine macroalgae and to develop their own pictures and stories about the algae. Evocative images and delightful student narratives are translated into cyanotypes for storytelling quilts.
These quilts inspire a better understanding of the benefits of seaweed. A quilt from the series is now on show as part of the SALA Festival show ‘Essence of Blue’, Cowandilla Community Room, opened by Peter Goers on August 11. The work will be on show until August 31. Opening times Wednesday – Saturday 11am -3pm.
Essence of Blue, SALA Exhibition 2024 presented by OEEGA (Organisation of Hellene & Hellene Cypriot Women of Australia, SA Inc.
Since antiquity the colour blue has influenced world cultures, particularly around the Mediterranean as in Homer’s evocative image of the ‘wine dark sea’. Blue was also the colour of the city of Athens, as an homage to the goddess Athena and her brilliant blue eyes. The elusive hue reveals itself at the edges of our world, at the farthest point of the horizon and the deepest stretches of the sea.
Blue has influenced our perceptions of the natural world, our built environments, fashion, symbols and logos, divinity and royalty. It is also a social construct, and like other colours, can tap into our deepest desires and affect our emotions – or even the course of history. In the hands of ten talented artists, this exhibition explores the many interpretations of Blue.