General, Press Release /

Schmidt Ocean Institute, Nautilus, UNESCO to Present Ocean Programme at Art Basel Miami Beach

MIAMI – Schmidt Ocean Institute, in partnership with Nautilus Magazine, UNESCO, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, will unveil a dynamic program of ocean-themed exhibitions during Art Basel Miami Beach from Dec.6-10, 2023. The exhibition will include 50 pieces from Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea collection representing the work of 23 artists. The art will be exhibited both at the Miami Convention Center and at the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. 

Octopus nursery at Dorado Outcrop”
Inspired by Artist’s experience as Artist-At-Sea on the Falkor (too) in June 2023. Oil and graphite on canvas. 68″ x 80″

The Artist-at-Sea program provides immersive science experiences for artists onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too). The science expeditions offer a range of unique technology-based ocean research ripe for artistic exploration. The program has welcomed 51 artists since 2015. 

“We’re delighted to be showcasing at Art Basel Miami Beach. With our Artist-at-Sea program, we harness the power of art to tell the stories of science,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “The Ocean influences and sustains all life on Earth, and we deepen an understanding and appreciation of our planet through these transformative and immersive art experiences.”

In addition to the exhibits, a series of public events will include a panel discussion with Schmidt Ocean Institute Artist-at-Sea participants Rebecca Rutstein, Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, Lizzy Taber, Michel Droge, and guests Runa Ray and Jane McCarthy (Taiji Terasaki Studios). Public events will also include a film night featuring Schmidt Ocean Institute’s award-winning “Climate Under Pressure” and “The Art of Exploration.” A live connection to research vessel Falkor (too) will also be included in the film night. 

“By weaving together the worlds of art and science, we hope to captivate and educate the diverse audience that Art Basel Miami Beach attracts,” stated Nautilus Publisher John Steele.

The exhibits will celebrate the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, whose purpose is to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between humanity and the marine environment.

“Building a more harmonious relationship with the ocean is one of the key challenges of United Nations’ Ocean Decade 2021-2030,” said Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and UNESCO Assistant Director-General. “UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission are delighted to join Nautilus Magazine and other partners in organizing this unique event during ART BASEL Miami.” 

“Frost Science is thrilled to unveil this special ocean science exhibition during Miami Art Week,” said Dr. Doug Roberts, president and CEO of Frost Science. “This unique programming serves as a testament to our commitment to bridging the worlds of art and science.” 

The Art Basel Miami Beach program will include the following series of live and streamed events dedicated to Ocean Science and conservation: 

Artist at Sea Exhibition with Nautilus and Schmidt Ocean Institute

Explore a curated collection from Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea program, featuring pieces from Max Hooper Schneider, Taiji Terasaki, Michel Droge, Robert Stackhouse, and Rebecca Rutstein, among others. The Artist-at-Sea program hosts residencies for artists to participate in ocean science aboard the Institute’s research vessel, Falkor (too). The award-winning immersive experience “The Blue Paradox” will play in the planetarium as well, for the first full dome experience.

The public exhibition will be open from Dec.6 through Dec.10 10 am – 6 pm at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. And Dec. 8 through Dec. 10 11 am – 6 pm at the Miami Beach Convention Center

The Intersection in Collaboration with OMEGA and Viking

Nautilus’ latest episode of its “Intersection” video series brings together deep ocean explorer Victor Vescovo and astronaut Nicole Stott. This stimulating conversation in

front of a live audience, will be live-streamed over Nautilus’s YouTube channel, promising a unique blend of oceanic and space exploration insights.

The conversation will be streamed live from the Frost Planetarium @nautilusmag, Wednesday, Dec.6 from 6 – 7 p.m.

Blue Palette – The Arts and Ocean Science: A Conversation

Join previous Artists-at-Sea Rebecca Rutstein, Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, Lizzy Taber, Michel Droge, and special guests Runa Ray and Jane McCarthy (Taiji Terasaki Studios) in a discussion about the power of artistry intertwined with scientific inquiry. Panelists will share remarkable instances of artist engagement with research, illuminating the benefits of collaborative learning and creative interaction.  

The conversation is open to the public at the Frost Planetarium and will also be streamed live on YouTube @nautilusmag, Friday, Dec.8 from 1 – 2 p.m.

Blue Palette – The Arts and Ocean Science: A Workshop

Following the panel discussion, artists are invited to join an Ocean Rising workshop to discuss how the arts community can deepen people’s relationship to the Ocean and inspire a new generation of Ocean ambassadors.

The workshop is open to artists, galleries, and those working in the arts space at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science 5th Floor Conference Room 3. Friday, Dec.8 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. 

Blue Palette – An Evening of Film

An evening of award-winning short films exploring the ocean and research from around the world featuring Climate Under Pressure, The Art of Exploration, The Black Mermaid, among others. A live connection with Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too), followed by Q & A.

The event is open to the public at the Frost Planetarium, Saturday Dec. 9 from 6 – 8 p.m.  

About the Organizations

Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org.

Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) seeks to stimulate ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the decline of the state of the ocean system and new opportunities for sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. The UN General Assembly mandated UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge-sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding. UNESCO’s programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

Nautilus is a different kind of science magazine. Online, in print, and in the classroom, Nautilus leverages deep, undiluted, narrative storytelling to bring science into the largest and most important conversations we are having today. After all, that is where modern science— which is so personal, pervasive, spiritual, and transformative—deserves to be. Nautilus challenges the reader to consider the deep, mysterious connecting tissue that runs through the sciences and connects them to philosophy, culture, and art. 

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading-edge science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Sitting on four acres, the 250,000-square-foot museum is divided into four distinct buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and the North and West Wings. At Frost Science, visitors can explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows. Learn more at frostscience.org.


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