In the words of great American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, “the water understands civilisation well…well used, it decketh joy…ill used, it will destroy”.
Personifying water, Waldo explores water’s capacity to both give and take. It is a fitting theme for a new exhibition coming to Manly Art Gallery & Museum this summer, supported by the Sydney Festival.
The Water Understands explores the various qualities of water, the gifts it brings and the threats it faces.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Manly was the perfect location for this special exhibition.
“The Northern Beaches is surrounded by water, flanked by beaches, lagoons and natural waterways. Our community knows all too well how precious and powerful water can be,” Mayor Heins said.
“We are proud to host this thought-provoking exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum as part of Sydney Festival 2025.
“The exhibition will encourage all of us to think carefully about how we can safeguard water resources for generations to come.”
Exhibiting artists include Leah Bullen, Michael Cook, Tamara Dean, Keg de Souza, Phillip George, Shaun Gladwell, Gregory Hodge, Miguel Angelo Libarnes, Anna Madeleine Raupach, Douglas Schofield, and Angela Tiatia.
Featured alongside the exhibition is Water: MAG&M Collection Stories which showcases a selection of water-focused paintings, photography, prints, and ceramics from MAG&M’s collection.
The Water Understands
13 December 2024 – 16 February 2025
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Free entry
Opening event
6–8pm, 12 December 2024
The Water Understands will be opened by Olivia Ansell, Sydney Festival Director.
Members and Volunteers Preview
10-11am, 13 December 2024
Join us for the preview tour of our new exhibitions, The Water Understands, and Water: Collection Stories.
Currents: Panel Discussion
6–7.30pm, 16 January 2025
Hear from pianist and composer Sophie Hutchings, First Nations filmmaker and public artist Jake Nash, and multi-disciplinary artist Shaun Gladwell, in conversation with ArtsHub Visual Arts Editor Gina Fairley. Presented as part of the 2025 Sydney Festival.
Art Up Late
5–9pm, Thu 9, Thu 16 and Thu 23 January 2025
Drop in to enjoy a welcome drink and walking conversation through The Water Understands exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, supported by Sydney Festival.
The exhibition is supported by Sydney Festival 2025 and is a MAG&M CEAD Collective for Environmental Art & Design initiative.
For more information visit our website