A Tongan inspired art piece named 'Flare (Oceania)', by John Gerrad is currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

Tongan artist and activist Uili Lousi had photographs that inspired John Gerrard's recreated piece of a digital seascape, in which a gas flare rises and burns from a slice of the Pacific Ocean near Tonga.

Lousi's photographs of Tonga were turned into an art installation by artist John Gerrard and is now on display in the National Gallery of Victoria.

"Synced to the time of day in Tonga, the work serves as a reminder of the very real threat of rising seas to island nations, and a warning to stay alert to the changing tides."

Lousi and special guests joined the NGV curator, Ewan McEoin for nightly conversations about the climate crisis, mitigation and adaptation in Tonga from 26 - 28 January.

Lousi is a Tongan artist, climate activist and the President of OHAI Tonga - an organisation that is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and its impacts on island nations.

An installation view of John Gerrard’s Flare (Oceania) is on display in NGV Triennial from 3 December 2023 – 7 April 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne.

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