Updated

This book is intended to be the Art volume in the series Oceans, Seas and Shorelines: Natural, Cultural Environmental Histories edited by Viv Westbrook & Mark Nicholls, published by Routledge. 

As the introduction to the series reads,

There is a growing awareness of the need to clean up our oceans, seas and shorelines. Images conveyed through our multi-media technologies of beaches cluttered with plastics, seas discoloured with pollutants, and oceans of creatures that are maimed or killed by our rubbish are now beginning to get our attention, but more needs to be done. One introductory and ten themed explorations of our oceanic heritage will be conducted by an international team of experts from across the art and science disciplines. The series will aim at demonstrating the role of the oceans, seas and shorelines throughout the history of human endeavour while considering the impact that human interactions have had on marine environments.

Please send your abstracts (max. 250 words) for chapter proposals in this volume, along with a brief bio (max. 100 words) by September 15, 2024.

Please note that the deadline for the first draft of the chapters is 31 January 2025!

So far, there has been a substantial response to the call and we can see that the current proposals are capable of covering different aspects of our title. 

* Therefore, the only  possible topics that can be added to the volume are the following:

Perception of Oceans and Seas in Visual Art:

• How visual art has contributed to the perception of oceans and seas as inexhaustible resources.
• The portrayal of marine environments as dangerous, romantic, and mysterious realms.
• The impact of these portrayals on public awareness and environmental policies.
•  Exploring indigenous artistic representations of marine ecosystems and their cultural significance.

Role of Sculpture:

• The influence of sculptural works on attitudes and behavior towards marine environments.
• Examination of the location, funding, and purposes of sculptures related to oceans, seas, and shorelines.
• Case studies of specific sculptures and their cultural and environmental significance.

Art as a Reflection of Marine Life:

• The transition of sea creatures and tools fashioned from them into museum pieces and art objects.
• The use of marine elements like teeth, pearls, and shells in ritualistic, artistic, and economic contexts.
• The symbolic and functional roles of these elements in various cultures.
• How indigenous art reflects and shapes coastal traditions.

Contemporary Visual Art and Marine Conservation:

• Modern visual art initiatives aimed at marine conservation.
• The effectiveness of contemporary art in raising awareness about marine environmental issues.
• Artistic collaborations with marine scientists and conservationists.
• The role of indigenous art in preserving marine environmental narratives and conservation efforts.

Important: Please write as the subject of your email: "Art volume - Oceans, Seas and Shorelines."

Feel free to send your enquiries to the editor, Amin Heidari, at <amin.heidari@mq.edu.au>. 

Contact: <amin.heidari@mq.edu.au>

Amin Heidari, PhD, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Looking forward to receiving your proposals!