29 November 2023 – Tauranga Art Gallery Toi Tauranga invites art and photography enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of Megan Dunn's latest exhibition, The Mermaid Chronicles 2.0, currently on display at their POP UP Gallery & Learning space until February 4th, 2024.

Australian-born underwater photographer and cinematographer, Brett Stanley, based in Los Angeles, California, is renowned for his innovative and boundary-pushing work in the creative niche of underwater portraiture and will be in conversation with curator and mermaid enthusiast, Megan Dunn.

Brett’s work has recently been seen in the Netflix documentary MerPeople (2023) and he is infamous for his collaborative work with Hannah Mermaid—the world’s first freelance mermaid.

Pictured above: Brett Stanley, Hannah in the Kelp (detail), 2021/2022.

Brett specialises in creating unique underwater sets for his clients to play in, stretching the imaginations of his viewers, and challenging the technology available to bring these worlds to life.

As an underwater performance coach, Brett knows how to get the best out of people when they are in the water. His patient and calm nature helps to bring peace to the set, creating an environment where the work is not rushed but polished.

Megan Dunn, a distinguished writer, curator, and cultural critic, currently working on her third book about Mermaids, curated The Mermaid Chronicles 2.0 for Tauranga Art Gallery. The exhibition includes retro artefacts, painting, sculpture, videos by artists, photographers, and professional mermaids, plus Brett Stanley’s underwater photography. It is the next episode of Megan’s mer-odyssey to chart the significance of the mermaid across art and contemporary culture.

The Mermaid Chronicles was first presented at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in Wellington. The Tauranga edition of the show includes a special focus on the art and poetry of the Māori Mermaid - Jessica Thompson Carr, based in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Don't miss the chance to dive into the depths of Dunn’s artistic expression, and gain a deeper understanding of the underwater realm captured through Stanley's lens.

Brett Stanley in-conversation with Megan Dunn

- 2pm, Sunday 3rd of December 2023

- Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP, 42 Devonport Road, Tauranga

- Free or koha entry

For more details or to reserve your spot, visit the event page here

Media Enquiries 
Ashlee Hastings 
Marketing & Communications Manager
Tauranga Art Gallery Toi Tauranga 
marketing@artgallery.org.nz