By Jessica Mathiasz 

The ocean is a world of wonder, mystery, and breathtaking beauty that few of us witness firsthand. But from June 5th to 9th, Curado Art Space will bring the beauty underneath the waves to the surface with Beneath the Blue, a stunning photography exhibition in celebration of World Ocean Day.

Organized by All About That Reef in partnership with Parley Sri Lanka, the exhibition will showcase the extraordinary work of three renowned underwater photographers, Nick Hobgood, Edoardo Spacca, and Manjula Wijeyeratne, who have spent years capturing the hidden magic beneath the waves.

About the photographers 

Each photographer brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. 

Nick Hobgood is an oceanographer, underwater photographer, and humanitarian with 30 years of global experience. A diver since 1981 and photographer since 2003, he has captured the underwater beauty of Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Fiji, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and beyond, using his work to advocate for ocean conservation.

Edoardo Spacca, an Italian photographer and experienced diver, has explored underwater wonders in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Timor Leste, Palau, South Africa, Egypt, Sudan, Cyprus, Mexico, and Venezuela, before arriving in Sri Lanka and Maldives. He is especially focused on sharks, marine mammals and conservation. He published in Italian and British UW magazines.

Manjula Wijeyeratne, a Sri Lankan architect and passionate diver with over 450 dives, uses his photography not just as art but as a powerful tool for conservation. As the former president of the Sri Lanka Sub Aqua Club, he played a key role in banning spearfishing in Sri Lanka and still fights against destructive coastal developments. 

Their work doesn’t just showcase the ocean’s beauty, it highlights its fragility and the urgent need to protect it.

More Than an Exhibition

Beneath the Blue isn’t just about viewing photographs. Alongside the exhibition, a series of free workshops and events will run throughout the week.
June 5th (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) – Opening Night (Invitees only). A special launch with the photographers and conservationists.
June 6th (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) – Movie Screening & Panel Discussion. A deep dive into ocean conservation. (Free event)
June 7th (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM) – Kids Clay Workshop: A fun, hands-on session for young ocean lovers. (Free event) 
June 8th (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) – Photography Tour: A guided walkthrough with all three photographers. (Free event) 

All events are free, but registration is required through All About The Reef’s social media pages, so don’t miss out!

Why This Matters

Our oceans are under threat, it has been for a while now, from plastic pollution to overfishing and coral bleaching. Exhibitions like Beneath the Blue remind us what’s at stake. Through powerful imagery and interactive learning, the event aims to inspire action and to appreciate and admire the underwater world.

Visit & Be Inspired

Where: Curado Art Space (302 Park Road, Colombo 05)
When: June 5th – 9th (10:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Entry: Free (Registration needed for workshops)

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an ocean advocate, or just curious about the deep blue, Beneath the Blue promises to be an eye-opening experience. Come, explore, and leave with a deeper connection to our planet’s most vital ecosystem. The ocean’s story is ours to protect. Let’s start.

Pics courtesy Nick Ηobgood, Εdoardo Spαccα and Manjula Wijeyeratne