Sharks Invade Odin Smith Gallery In New Exhibit

CHATHAM – Great white sharks, beautiful, terrifying, and powerful, have become a quintessential part of Cape Cod’s identity in recent years. Whether inspiring awe or terror, these massive kings of the deep have occupied the minds of beach-going tourists and locals alike. It is the widespread and ever-varying perception of these majestic predators that inspired documentary photographer Bill Ravenesi to assemble his collection “Sharks On Land: Fear and Fascination.”

This selection of photographs provides a glimpse into the ways coastal dwellers are “‘imagining’ white sharks through conservation, art, commerce, humor, tragedy, and science,” as described by Ravenesi.

The exhibit, coming to Odin Smith Gallery on Friday, July 19, includes 37 photographs from Ravenesi’s over 100-piece project. Alongside these photos there will be six easels holding posters with amusing memes, screenshots, and more, each encapsulating a unique facet of the public’s understanding and relation to white sharks. This “pop-up” exhibit features photos taken mainly in Chatham, Wellfleet, Provincetown and Orleans, though some photos included in the larger exhibition come from as far afield as Rhode Island.

Through this collection, Ravenesi hopes to challenge people’s perceptions of white sharks and encourage their protection from inhumane practices such as shark hunts and sport fishing. “I use advocacy as my 11th commandment, whatever subject I am taking on,” shares Ravenesi, “It’s part of my DNA.”

There are two areas Ravenesi hopes to see impacted by his work and the advocacy of others. First, an increase in financial support of conservation organizations. Second, a change in the way the media portrays sharks. Shifting away from the all-too-common shark-related fear-mongering most news organizations capitalize on and refocusing on issues like illegal fishing, unethical treatment of wildlife, and the management of bycatch could allow for the demystification of sharks and increased public support for their preservation.

“Those are areas for the media to start pounding away on,” said Ravenesi, “and I think, through that, you get John Q. Public looking at the media saying ‘wow, I had no idea of this,’ and then they can reach out to their representatives.”

Inspired by his long-time friend Paul Brouder and a lunch they shared in 1994 with Peter Benchley, author of “Jaws,” Ravenesi has been invested in the effects of mass media on shark populations for 30 years.

“Paul was the one who basically taught me everything that I know about fishing, sharks… and the Cape,” said Ravenesi, attributing large parts of the exhibition to the support and shared interest of his friend.

The passion and personal connection Ravenesi feels for this project are evident. Through the genuine light and humor captured in Ravenesi’s work alongside the history of his devotion to this cause, his understanding and commitment to the protection of the aquatic world and its creatures is impossible to miss. Just as with the rest of his work, available on centerforvisualartists.org, the intimate connection Ravenesi has to his work highlights the very real, authentic nature of his subjects.

“Sharks On Land: Fear and Fascination” will run from July 19 to July 31 at Odin Smith Gallery at 895 Main St. in Chatham, with an opening reception July 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.

DETAILS:

“Sharks On Land: Fear and Fascination”

At the Odin Smith Gallery, 895 Main St., Chatham

Through July 31; opening reception July 19, 4-7 p.m.