Innocean Australia has joined forces with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to create an exhibition that brings to light the silent extinction of lesser-known Australian sharks and rays via children's creativity.

Over the summer holidays, AMCS encouraged Australian school children to use their creativity to bring these fascinating species to life through art, based solely on scientific descriptions. More than 1,500 children submitted their paintings, sketches, and paper mache sculptures. The top entries were then used as inspiration for artworks by 10 of Australia's most iconic artists, including Ken Done, Jennifer Turpin, Jonathan Zawada, Billy Bain, Dylan Mooney, Janet Laurence, Rosie Deacon, Sarah & Sebastian, Dion Horstmans, and Blak Douglas.

The result is the 'Fantastical Sharks & Rays' exhibition, currently on display at the Australian Museum until December 8. The free exhibition houses 20 artworks and aims to challenge the reputation of sharks and rays as predators, fostering a new appreciation for the variety of species and their fascinating characteristics.

"I'm endlessly intrigued by the underwater world and happy to do whatever I can to raise awareness of the magnificent creatures that live there," said Done (pictured).

Dr Leonardo Guida, a shark scientist for the AMCS, emphasised the importance of art in environmental education. "Art and science might seem like different pursuits, but they share a common goal: understanding the world around us," he said.

"However, facts and logic alone can't tackle our biggest environmental and social challenges. That's where art comes in – it has the power to touch our hearts and minds, inspiring new perspectives. By harnessing this power, the Fantastical Sharks & Rays exhibition evokes emotion, educates and allows us to see sharks and rays in a new light while urging action to protect Australia’s precious marine wildlife."

Pamela Parrelli, Innocean Art Director, echoed this sentiment, quoting Sir David Attenborough: "‘No one will ever protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.’ To hold an exhibition of this scale, at one of the most renowned museums in the country, with so many iconic artists, means thousands of people will get to experience these endangered species. We hope it inspires a new generation of conservationists."

Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to sign a petition to help stop overfishing of these endangered and unique species in Australian waters and urge the government to take action. The free exhibition runs at the Australian Museum in Sydney until December 8, 2024.