Ocean Room

Matera Installation

The Ocean Room

Matera, Italy

2017-2019

Digital C-Print, 18" x 24"

Proposal Renderings for the 2019 European Cultural Capital Award for Matera (2019)

The Concept

There is an ancient connection between the city of Matera and ocean.  Traces of marine life are embedded in the stones used to build the sassi.  Small fossils are spread throughout the soft tufa and serve as an ever present reminder that the land beneath Matera is even more ancient than the city itself.

In conjunction with Matera’s European Cultural Capital designation for 2019 is an opportunity to explore the distant past and bring to life the imaginary underwater worlds from millions of years ago.  The “Ocean Room” is an installation that allows visitors to experience the recent history of the city and the distant history of its maritime roots all in a single room. 

This exhibition is in loving memory of our dear friend Forrest Jesse and the many ways he touched this project and our lives. 



Exterior view of "The Ocean Room" from street level, inside the sassi of Matera, Italy.

Exterior view of "The Ocean Room" from street level, inside the sassi of Matera, Italy.

Interior view of "The Ocean Room" from street level, inside the sassi of Matera, Italy.

Interior view of "The Ocean Room" from street level, inside the sassi of Matera, Italy.

Aerial view of "The Ocean Room" from at night with roof lighting activated. 

Aerial view of "The Ocean Room" from at night with roof lighting activated.