The Shark Trust has brought together artists from diverse backgrounds, including our Head of Creative, James Higgs. These artists have been selected for their passion for wildlife, conservation, and their dedication to using art as a tool for positive change. Each artist generously agreed to donate a piece to the cause, with each artwork focusing on one species of Oceanic Shark or Ray.

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The full 31-piece exhibition is touring around the UK from Summer 2023 to Autumn 2024. Ultimately, the artworks will be auctioned off, with proceeds going towards the Big Shark Pledge. Limited edition prints of some pieces will also be available.

Among the 31 Oceanic species, James chose to depict the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

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"I remember looking at the list and seeing what sharks and rays were left available, and I saw the Great White Shark was still there," James recalls. "I hesitated; it's a well-known shark species, and if I were a kid again, it'd be one of the first ones I looked for. I'm all for stepping outside of my comfort zone, so that's what I did—I put my name next to it."

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James' unique piece, ‘Carcharodon carcharias,’ is digitally crafted and printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag using Giclée inks. The unframed artwork measures 1016 x 762mm and is finished with subtle flecks of silver leaf.

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"I've often thought about how I could use my skills to aid conservation and drive positive change, but I've often hit a brick wall. Oceanic 31 has perfectly married my skillset and passions, allowing me to take these first steps in what I hope will be the first of many. I've always had a thing for sticking up for the underdog. Despite its power and splendour, the White Shark has an unnecessarily bad reputation due to a general lack of understanding. This project was the perfect opportunity to stand firmly in its corner and hopefully do it justice."

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James' artwork, aptly named 'Carcharodon carcharias,' is currently touring galleries around the UK. The tour will culminate at the Royal Geographical Society in November 2024, where all 31 pieces will be displayed together one last time before being auctioned off to support the Big Shark Pledge.

If you would like to register your interest in being part of the final auction to buy one of the original pieces of art, please use the link below.
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https://www.sharktrust.org/forms/oceanic31register