Kevin Cooley's Pacific Ocean Blue series explores climate change through ocean photography
Kevin Cooley's project, Pacific Ocean Blue, examines the ocean as a formidable ally in the fight against climate change. Due to a spinal condition that restricted his mobility, Cooley turned to wild swimming around Los Angeles, merging artistic expression with physical challenges. His photography technique includes swimming with strobes, and he plans to incorporate drones this summer. The title of the series nods to Dennis Wilson's 1977 album, and music plays a significant role in his art through collaborations with Phillip Andrew Lewis. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2012, Cooley's view of local landscapes has evolved. He will showcase his work in a solo exhibition at the Jones Institute in San Francisco this August and release his debut photo book, The Wizard of Awe, this fall.
Key facts
- Kevin Cooley created Pacific Ocean Blue series exploring ocean's dual role in climate crisis
- Artist has spinal condition limiting travel, turned to wild swimming near Los Angeles home
- Photographic process involves underwater strobes, flash bulbs, and planned drone use this summer
- Series title references Dennis Wilson's 1977 album, with music inspiring creative process
- Cooley moved from New York City to Los Angeles in 2012, shifting focus to nearby landscapes
- Since pandemic, work has become more optimistic about climate solutions
- Ocean produces half world's oxygen and captures quarter of carbon dioxide emissions
- Upcoming solo exhibition at Jones Institute in San Francisco this August
Entities
Artists
- Kevin Cooley
- Dennis Wilson
- Phillip Andrew Lewis
- John Maus
- Lauren Bon
- Olafur Eliasson
- Jeff Frost
- Ernest Hemingway
Institutions
- Jones Institute
- The Eriskay Connection
- Kopeikin Gallery
- Aesthetica Magazine
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- San Francisco
- New York City
- Nunavik
- Spitzbergen
- Rodanthe
- North Carolina
- Wyoming
- Montana