‘SHARKS: On Assignment with Brian Skerry’ Exhibition to Open at Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas
April 5, 2018
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Visitors will come face-to-face or rather, face-to-nose with one of the world’s most feared predators in the new exhibition “SHARKS: On Assignment with Brian Skerry,” opening Friday, May 25 at the Texas State Aquarium. SHARKS is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society.
National Geographic Explorer and award-winning photojournalist Brian Skerry has spent more than 10,000 hours underwater exploring the world’s oceans with a camera to show why sharks need to be protected and appreciated as an integral species within the ecosystem. The exhibition will include large-scale images and videos—all highlighting Skerry’s passion, skill and life-long commitment to conservation of the world’s oceans.
“SHARKS: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” will remain open at Texas State Aquarium until September 3, 2018.
Photography enthusiasts also won’t want to miss an opportunity on June 2 to improve their camera skills with Brian Skerry. During this five and a half-hour class, a small group will learn from this true master of photography the techniques—composition, shutter speeds, apertures, and more—that are the building blocks to creating captivating underwater images. They’ll also learn all that goes into creating compelling narratives with their photos. The day will include a light breakfast in the exhibition and a lunch with Brian and fellow enthusiasts. Tickets will be available starting Monday, April 9 at https://tickets.texasstateaquarium.org/#/SpecialEvents.
“SHARKS: On Assignment with Brian Skerry” allows visitors to dive into the depths of the oceans to swim alongside Tiger Sharks, Great Whites, Oceanic Whitetips and Shortfin Makos while learning about each species’ habitat and threats they face. Additionally, they’ll get a glimpse into National Geographic’s ocean conservation efforts, including the Pristine Seas Project. National Geographic and Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala launched the Pristine Seas project to find, survey and help protect the last wild places in the ocean. Through exploration, scientific research, economic and policy analysis, and outreach, National Geographic has worked to establish marine reserves where aquatic life can thrive—while ensuring that they will be effectively managed for years to come. Pristine Seas is one of National Geographic’s key initiatives dedicated to environmental preservation.
The more Skerry understands these creatures, the more he wants to show them in a different light, as something to respect and value rather than revile and fear. Yet, sharks face many dangers as more than 100 million are killed each year, primarily for their fins. “Sharks represent an endless well of inspiration, a blend of grace and power that lures me into the sea time and time again in hopes of producing a new rendering that truly captures their essence,” says Skerry. “As a journalist, I’m driven by a sense of responsibility and a sense of urgent need to broadcast that sharks are in trouble and need our help.”
“This exhibition is another example of the ways in which National Geographic uses its powerful storytelling to make a meaningful impact on conservation efforts,” said National Geographic’s vice president of Exhibitions, Kathryn Keane. “Brian’s life story and his powerful photographs take the standard perception of these feared and iconic predators and turn it on its head. Through their sheer majesty and beauty, his photographs help us gain a deeper understanding of the world’s sharks and see them in an entirely new light.”
Award-winning photojournalist and conservationist Brian Skerry has dedicated his life to telling the story of marine wildlife and underwater environments—from tropical coral reefs to polar ice. While on assignment, he’s lived on the bottom of the sea, spent months aboard fishing boats, and traveled in everything from snowmobiles to canoes to the Goodyear Blimp to get the picture. A National Geographic magazine photographer since 1998, Skerry’s work has also appeared in a wide range of other prestigious outlets, including BBC Wildlife, U.S. News & World Report and Sports Illustrated. He’s won the coveted Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 11 times, in addition to many other prizes. In 2014, he was named a National Geographic Photography Fellow and in 2015, a Nikon Ambassador. Additionally, Skerry was honored as the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year at the 2017 National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington, D.C.
Skerry’s remarkable photographs can be taken home in a beautiful National Geographic book aptly titled: SHARK. The book contains 250 photographs in which he’s captured the beauty and power of Great White, Whitetip, Tiger and Mako sharks. His descriptions of the eerily beautiful species he’s devoted to saving and of the extreme techniques employed by underwater photographers elevate his already breath-taking images. The book serves as an intimate portrait of an elusive predator and an important reminder of the integral role sharks play in the life of our oceans.