Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Orcas are one of Cascadia’s most iconic animals. One type, the Southern Resident killer whales, have even gained international fame and are among the most thoroughly studied orca in the world. Over the past 60 or so years, the general perception of these animals has changed from terrifying beasts to “sea pandas”. This exhibition explores the newly widespread feeling of humans towards orca—that of connection and empathy.

The works in Orcaphilia are conceptually based on cetology (the study of whales, dolphins and porpoises). A combination of data and Natasha van Netten’s personal experiences on the water are at the centre of each drawing, painting and installation. Using art as a gateway to break down scientific information, such as population counts, pod composition and predation methods, Natasha seeks to poetically translate the data behind some of the reasons why she finds herself drawn to these creatures in a in a way that carries visual meaning and impact and highlighting the duality of strength and fragility found in orcas.