Coral Futures

1 August — 17 October 2026

Artists

Erub Arts (Jimmy John Thaiday, Florence Gutchen, Nancy Naawi, Lavinia Ketchell), Helga Groves, Laresa Kosloff, Nicholas Mangan, Rachel O'Reilly, Marian Tubbs

This exhibition presents a range of poetic and speculative responses to coral. These small marine animals form the foundations of healthy reef ecologies, now facing unprecedented, existential threats from human-induced climate change. Coral Futures brings together new and recent projects by First Nations and other contemporary Australian artists, considering coral's importance to the survival of vital marine ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef, as well as its implications for broader cultural, economic, and environmental systems.

Coral has long been considered the "canary down the coal mine" of climate change, due to its susceptibility to rising ocean temperatures, weather events like cyclones, and agricultural run-off. These impacts manifest as increasingly frequent and severe coral bleaching, destruction by crown-of-thorns starfish, and related mass die-offs, making the species one of the most visible victims of the climate crisis.

Viewed primarily from a distance through media coverage, the challenges wrought by climate change can appear daunting and insurmountable. Focusing instead on a single species, Coral Futures seeks to make sense of the cascading environmental crises now being experienced in Australia, as well as globally. The artworks and practices brought together in this exhibition demonstrate a plurality of approaches and a sustained engagement with the subject. Together, they offer multiple, considered perspectives, acknowledging coral's deep cultural significance for First Nations people, its economic and social value to coastal communities, and its vulnerability to rising sea temperatures and shifting weather patterns. Coral Futures speaks to these and many other connections that render this species vital to the health, or decline, of our planet.

Curated by Hamish Sawyer and presented in partnership with Linden New Art, Melbourne, where it was shown 15 November 2025 – 1 February 2026.

Project partner

 

Nicholas Mangan Core–Coralations (Bronchial Diversion) 2024. Coral, aragonite, mineral powder, acrylic resin, plastic nurdles, fibreglass, reinforced plastic grating, mild steel, enamel paint, 240 x 300 x 60cm. Courtesy of the artist, Sutton Gallery, Melbourne, and LABOR, Mexico City.