The water understands
Civilization well;
It wets my foot, but prettily,
It chills my life, but wittily,
It is not disconcerted,
It is not broken-hearted:
Well used, it decketh joy,
Adorneth, doubleth joy:
Ill used, it will destroy,
In perfect time and measure
With a face of golden pleasure
Elegantly destroy.
(Water by Ralph Waldo Emerson)
These words by great American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson were the inspiration for a new exhibition coming to Manly Art Gallery & Museum this summer.
The Water Understands explores the various qualities of water, its ability to bring joy, but to also destroy. It encourages us to think carefully and creatively about how we can safeguard our precious water resources for generations to come.
The exhibition is supported by Sydney Festival 2025 and is a MAG&M’s CEAD Collective for Environmental Art & Design initiative.
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.
As you explore The Water Understands, we invite you to reflect on water’s vital role in shaping our lives and cultures.
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.
Join us at one of the many events being held as part of this special exhibition.
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.
For more information visit our website