Around the world hundreds of thousands of people are horrified by these brutal actions, but they have found no single voice to speak of their feelings.

I would like this sculpture to become their voice.”  Noel Ashton, 2008

INSPIRATION
Inspired by mans’ ancient, primal interest in the great whales, driven by a deep concern for ocean conservation, and determined to use his creativity to make a difference, Noel Ashton has created a unique sculpture that captures the essence of mans’ historical relationship with the whale, focusing on the vulnerable but triumphant story of this great animal of the deep as it survives the huge impact of mans’ interference in the oceans.

The Sacred Ocean sculpture, consisting of five aged whale bones supporting a humpback whale mother and calf, will become a permanent exhibit in the foyer of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town after the official launch event in November 2008.

AN ICONIC SCULPTURE
Whale bones, old and scarred by years of exposure to the elements, bare testimony to a long story of survival and then decay, of countless animals lost through the brutality of whaling. And then a mother and calf, suspended in time, representing hope for a species once perilously close to extinction.  A monument of hushed and sacred proportions, Sacred Ocean stands in silence, affording us an opportunity to listen, to think….and to remember.

A VOICE-PIECE FOR THE MILLIONS WHO OPPOSE WHALING
Sacred Ocean is a unique 3.4 metre iconic sculpture created by whale specialist Noel Ashton as an artistic response to the ongoing brutal killing of the whales he has dedicated his life to saving. Its symbolism reflects on man’s long relationship with whales, and, with a media and signature campaign, it aims to raise awareness around whales, their majesty, the threats to their survival, and with a special emphasis on bringing to light the brutality of modern whaling.  Because these sentiments are shared by many people, the sculpture therefore also represents the will of these millions around the world who wish to see the end of the barbaric whaling practice and to see mankind honour the lives of the whales that share our ocean planet, as well as the future protection of their ocean habitats.

The sculpture is a beacon that physically manifests the voices of those unseen millions and over time will become an icon representing a more caring approach towards the natural environment. Not only does the sculpture speak of a crisis for whales, but it also alludes to a deeper crisis for humanity, as we continue to consciously and knowingly treat whales and so many other life forms in a cruel, inhumane manner.

SYMBOLISM - COMMENTARY FROM NOEL
It is difficult and at times inappropriate to explore in detail the symbolism around iconic public sculptures, as not only is the interpretation of the sculpture strongly influenced by what the viewer brings to the experience, but as this form of sculpture has the potential to incorporate a wide range of otherwise completely distinct inputs such as historic, cultural, psychological and emotional which are interpreted by the artist on a subconscious level, the explanation around symbolism and meaning is better left to the viewer.