Available for Inter-Museum Loan
Imagine spending your days on the ocean diving with friends. Bob Evans was able to do just that – diving from a 35ʹ research vessel to explore the Pacific offshore oil platforms.
A unique vertical habitat, the Pacific offshore platforms offer marine life shadows and shelter. Open ocean water flows through. Food is abundant. Life aggregates and propagates to create a Marine Megatropolis.
Marine Megatropolis (1974-1981) Photographs by Bob Evans consists of 23 spectacular images from below the offshore oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, selected from expeditions undertaken by Bob Evans and Andrew J. McMullen of La Mer Bleu Productions. Evans and McMullen were the first independent underwater photographers given carte blanche access to the area. Their photography documents marine life as it developed beneath the platforms.
Also included in the exhibit are images from what is believed to be the first alternative uses for offshore oil platforms. Artifacts from these expeditions include self-designed camera housings and log books identifying relevant survey data from more than 850 dives.
Printed on aluminum to juxtapose natural beauty with the steel structure on which the multigenerational marine community lives.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), which is located in the Waterfront Center Building (formerly the Naval Reserve Building) opened its doors to the public in July 2000, with the unique mission to interpret the rich and diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel. SBMM is an interactive museum - a place where the public can experience maritime culture without leaving the harbor.
Founded by a group of fishermen, divers, and sailors, the SBMM provides hands-on learning opportunities for all ages, delving into Santa Barbara’s robust maritime history while highlighting the important role the Santa Barbara Channel plays in our culture and community.
From the engaging exhibitions, visitors leave with a love for and better understanding of the Santa Barbara Channel – its abundant marine life, the multiple recreational activities it provides, and the people making a living on its waters.
Learn more about bringing this exhibition to your community.
Marine Megatropolis - Photographs by Bob Evans Brochure
For more details and availability, please contact Curator Emily Falke by calling (805) 456-8745 or emailing efalke@sbmm.org.