Keith Ellenbogen is an renowned underwater wildlife photographer whose imagery inspires a deeper appreciation for the animals and their habitats as well as a contemporary work of art. Keith has travelled on assignments around the world to raise environmental awareness about ocean life. But most recently he has been focusing on connecting the public to local marine life off the coast of Massachusetts and within Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. In June, Ellenbogen opened his latest exhibit, “Space to Sea: A Photographic Journey into Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary” at the New England Aquarium in Boston.
The exhibition succeeds in demonstrating something that Bostonians, and people everywhere for that matter, often overlook: that one of the most incredible and extraordinary marine environments in the world can be found just a few miles off the coast of New England.
“Most people don't associate New England with an extraordinary marine environment, and I wanted to change that dynamic by connecting the public to surprising diversity of local marine life through the art of photography. The New England Aquarium is the perfect location for a window into what's just beyond our shores,"- Keith Ellenbogen
The exhibition also celebrates the 30th year anniversary of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Ellenbogen’s photography serving as a testament to the unique biodiversity that flourishes there. In this sense, his work also provides a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation by bringing audiences face-to-face with the beauty of life that is too often threatened by human activity.
Included in the exhibition are stunning photographs of a 3,000-pound great white shark, ocean giants like humback whales, schools of mackerel, mola mola, and ambush predators like the torpedo ray. Zooming in, much of Ellenbogen’s work also features life at the micro level, capturing the beauty of New England’s plankton species.
The exhibition spans over 500 ft and covers almost 5000 Sq ft. The Graphics wrap the entire façade of the New England Aquarium within Central Wharf Boston Massachusetts — including an image of a breaching humpback whale on the windows of the Simons Theatre that is over three stories tall.
Keith designed the public art exhibition and worked with Duggal on all aspects of this project from the design and layout to the installation. There are many small behind the scenes details from site surveys to print materials, color correcting, printing, and the installation. Keith described the entire process of working with Hope Savvides, Account Representative and Demian Cacciolo, Senior Designer and the entire Duggal team as one of the most rewarding experiences that helped to transform the idea into reality.
Incredible photography deserves incredible printing and Duggal was honored to help take part in bringing Ellenbogen’s vision to life by creating this long-format walkable installation. “Space to Sea”, located in Central Wharf, just outside the New England Aquarium, is open to the public free of charge through spring 2023.
For more informaiton please visit Keith Ellenbogen’s website at www.keithellenbogen.com
About: Keith Ellenbogen is an Associate Professor of Photography at SUNY/Fashion Institue of Technology, Visiting Artist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology / MIT Sea Grant, and the recipient of a Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awarness Award.
