Not only are we blessed with beautiful views of the sea in Southsea but we also have fabulous swimming groups that have built lifelong friendships and confidence to head down to the water, whether that be once a week or every day.
Are you a sea swimmer? Then this exhibition might be just your thing and also give you the inspiration to keep swimming in the sea. With Summer heading straight for us and the chance to jump in the Solent and experience all the benefits, it is lovely to think there is an exhibition called ‘The Sea is my Religion.’
The Sea is my Religion is an art project that aims to bring the community together and highlight the positive impact of open sea swimming on wellbeing, brought together by The Sustainable Conservation Trust. Artist Thomas Buckley brings a sense of drama to Old Portsmouth with his ideas and implementation of his art. The project will take place in the Royal Garrison Church on Saturday the 20th May 8.30pm -10pm. The church is adjacent to the seafront in Old Portsmouth, and as part of the reopening after the conservation repairs completed in April ’23, will use light and sound to create an immersive experience that celebrates the healing beauty of the sea and the community that has formed around open sea swimming.
This innovative evening will feature projections of sea swimmers on the church structure, accompanied by a soundscape of waves and sea birds, creating a sense of being immersed in the sea. The light installations will be designed to evoke the feeling of the sun setting over the ocean and will change colours to reflect different times of the day. Listening to stories of swimmers, showing images of all types of people taking part in this one global congregation.
The project aims to celebrate the new community that has formed since the Covid epidemic, bringing together people of all walks of life and different age groups, who have found solace in open sea swimming. It will serve as a reminder of the importance of outdoor and nature activities in promoting mental and physical wellbeing, and will provide a platform for the community to come together and share their experiences.
Being inside the Royal Garrison Church will include a series of workshops and open calls for submissions of images, films, and stories, inviting the community to participate and contribute to the project. The goal is to create a unique and meaningful experience for visitors, promoting a sense of connection to the natural environment and the community, and encouraging people to continue to enjoy the benefits of open sea swimming.
Inspiration has come from The Lone Swimmer ‘Water is my religion and belief. The sea is my church and I but one of a global congregation. Swimming is my ritual, cold water is both my vestment and my prophesy, wind and waves are my altar. I think benedictions of wind and tide and chop before I enter the water. While I travel home, I chatter benedictions of cold. The celebratory rite I enact in the ocean is my sacrament, never needed more than now. I am blessed by the Eternal Ocean, by its sacred waters, and I emerge graced, for this short time. I wish the same for you all. Bless the swimmers, bless the water.
If you are a sea swimmer or just love the idea of experiencing the views this evening and feel this would be a nice way to watch the sunset go down at the Royal Garrison Church, Old Portsmouth, then pop along tonight 8.30pm until 10pm and enjoy the exhibition.
