City of Coffs Harbour, Media Release, 18 November 2025
Gorgeously exotic artworks with an environmental message and a mesmerisingunderwater world inspired by a minimalist sea creature will bring wonder to Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) over summer.
“These major solo exhibitions by two of the country’s most exciting contemporary artists in Australia so it’s an incredible opportunity to host them here,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Like YAM’s previous exhibitions, Sea Monsters and Modern Guru, they are extraordinary, challenging and immersive.”
ESSSENSSSE by multidisciplinary Australian artist HOSSEI features otherworldly sea creatures in a playful and multi-sensory aquatic themed ecosystem.
His CV includes working with institutions such as Parramatta Artist Studios, Sydney College of the Arts and Dark Mofo, and the installation at Coffs Harbour will create a dynamic space for all ages and abilities that invites audiences to celebrate their creative spirit and explore art through more than just sight.
“The outlandish ocean inspired costumes will be suspended in an entirely blue gallery space, so it will feel like you’re actually under water,” City of Coffs Harbour Museum and Gallery Service Leader Carrie Kibbler said.
“The exhibition has special sensory and accessibility components and on 22 January there will be an extravagant theatrical performance with dancers and musicians where the costumes will come to life.
“For blind and low vision audiences, the exhibition will include audio descriptions which vividly describe each costume’s character. Braille QR codes will be available throughout the space to help people navigate and connect with the exhibition in their own way.”
ESSSENSSSE began when HOSSEI became fascinated by sand dollar sea creatures – their shape, features, and how in mediaeval times it was believed the fragile animals were mermaid currency.
When looking at the sand dollar, HOSSEI realised if you removed the physical characteristics of a human body, you would be left with little more than a mouth and a rectum, much like a sand dollar.
Sand dollars – an emblem of the exhibition – can be seen in Australia at Hervey Bay in Queensland and Eighty Mile Beach in Western Australia, and it’s said finding one is a sign you’re in alignment with life’s natural rhythm.
The other blockbuster summer exhibition at YAM is CREATION by Deborah Kelly, whose internationally recognised practice spans 40 years.
Through video, animation, photography, music, paper collage, costume, textiles, ceramics and dance,CREATION invites audiences to explore a queer, science fiction, climate-conscious religion which celebrates possibility, and collective dreaming.
Kelly began her creative career as a political cartoonist and she has been a constant voice for human and climate rights. CREATION, which includes exhibitions, artworks and performance, has been featured on the ABC’s premier Compass program.
CREATION was first exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2020 and through this ongoing project Kelly has collaborated with communities in Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Lismore and Brisbane, creating a project that invites audiences to dance, sing, listen and perform.
Coffs Coast community members will have the opportunity to take part in a major CREATION performance scheduled for Saturday 14 March.
Mayor Williams, Kelly and HOSSEI will present at the official opening of the summer exhibitions on Saturday 22 November.
The event will start at 4pm with artist talks in the galleries, and the YAM Bar open from 5 o’clock including gin cocktails by Emerald Island Distillery, with complimentary food and music by DJ Jemka.
Ms Kibbler will MC the evening which will run through to 7 o’clock. Entry is free but people need to register here.
Exhibition dates at YAM
- ESSSENSSSE 22 November-1 February
- CREATION 22 November-15 March
ESSSENSSSE is a Verge Gallery exhibition, touring in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW, supported by the University of Sydney and proudly funded by the NSW Government. Verge Gallery is supported by the University of Sydney Union.
CREATION is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia.
