Hastings Contemporary has launched its inaugural biennial, titled "The Open: Odyssey," featuring over 150 artists with connections to Sussex. Selected from a pool of 2,600 applicants by a panel led by Kathleen Soriano, the exhibition explores themes of marine ecology, migration, mythology, and coastal life. Notable works include Alan Patch’s large-scale hanging of plastic detritus, Kate Howe’s monumental waxed paper installation "The Moving Edge," and Kevin J J Warren’s sculptures made from salvaged fishing nets.
This exhibition marks a significant moment for the regional art scene, establishing a high-caliber biennial format that bridges local talent with global concerns like climate change and maritime history. By blending traditional crafts with digital and AI-generated art, the show moves beyond typical seaside tropes to offer a sophisticated, curated narrative on the human relationship with the ocean. It reinforces Hastings Contemporary’s role as a vital hub for contemporary discourse outside of major metropolitan centers.