Louise Marson: Oyster Legacy

Once a rich natural resource, oysters were harvested heavily from the early days of colonisation. In the 1800s, they shifted from basic food to a luxury item, served in slums and red-light districts such as Little Lon. As demand surged during the gold rush, the reefs of Port Philip Bay were dredged and destroyed. Oyster shells were burnt to form lime to build the city’s early foundations.

Melbourne's landscape, with the Yarra (Birrarung) flows through the sculptures. The work connects the past to the present, drawing attention to the impact of human consumption on marine life. It also supports the growing movement to restore oyster reefs and care for the environment. By revisiting Melbourne’s oyster legacy, this exhibition invites viewers to imagine a more sustainable future and mindful stewardship.

Launch: Thursday 18 September, 5.30pm to 7pm.