Walking into the huge light and airy open plan space it’s easy to forget that you’re in an art gallery, it’s like you’re on a film set. The Sainsbury’s Centre has been designed to reframe your perspectives and really let you get up close and personal and connect with the art.
One of the most important university art galleries in the country, the Sainsbury’s Centre has a dramatically different feel to it and under the direction of Jago Cooper they have completely changed the way they interact with their exhibits such as ‘Can the Seas Survive us?’.
I spoke to PR media officer, Kate Wolstenholme about the gallery, she said ‘following a radical relaunch at the Sainsbury Centre and a repositioning of how we do things with a new director coming in, Jago Cooper, we don’t do exhibitions on art anymore. We do exhibitions on big questions.
So far, we have had, ‘What is Truth?’, and coming up in March, ‘Can the Seas Survive us?’ We don’t aim to answer those questions. We aim to talk to them and be a safe place for open discussion, conversation, and education.’
Collaboration with The Netherlands
‘Can the Seas Survive Us’ explores the historic and current relationship between Norfolk in the UK and the Netherlands, focusing on the North Sea, the element that both divides and unites us.
Featuring a variety of artworks, including ancient atlases, maps and even swimming bonnets, alongside works from Dutch and Norwich School artist, the show aims to address climate change and the future of living in coastal areas promoting a hopeful and inspiring outlook.
As part of the exhibition, Dutch artists, Boris Maas and Anastasia Eggers are supplying thought provoking pieces on loan.
‘The Urge to Sit Dry’ is an artwork by Boris Maas that addresses the pressing issue of rising sea levels due to climate change. The piece features a chair elevated on unusually tall legs made from towers of blocks, symbolising the effort required to remain above increasing water levels. Constructed from European oak, the chair’s design evokes a sense of urgency with the haphazardly stocked blocks, prompting viewers to reflect on the environmental challenges we face. Maas encourages contemplation of our current situation and the potential future of living above submerged landscapes.
‘Brexit Herring’ is an exploration by Anastasia Eggers. This piece contemplates the changing dynamics in herring fishing following the UKs exit from the EU and the changes in habitat caused by rising sea temperatures. Although we are now politically separated, we remain united with The Netherlands in facing this issue. Eggers’ piece highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by coastal communities in the post-Brexit landscape.
After the warmest recorded January worldwide, climate change is on the agenda for everyone, ‘Can the Seas Survive Us’ gives a safe space for visitors to discuss their thoughts and reflect on the part that they can play in the future. In answer to the question, can the seas survive us, I certainly hope so!
The Details
Exhibition title: Can the Seas Survive Us?
Location: Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
Dates: March 15th – August 3rd, 2025
The mission at the Sainsbury Centre is to provide access to the arts for everyone. When obtaining your ticket, you will be given a selection of prices, from Free Entry up to £20 per ticket. Visitors are encouraged to contribute whichever amount they feel able to, knowing that it supports the mission.
Parking at the centre is free.
Children aren’t expected to be quiet in the gallery, they’re encouraged to enjoy the exhibits just as much as the adults. There are crafting areas and so many interactive pieces encouraging them to get involved and create a relationship with the art. If your child really needs space to enjoy themselves, the outdoor sculpture park is perfect, with 350 acres to run around in!
Planning Your Visit
The Terrace snack bar with indoor and outdoor seating is great for a quick tea and cake while enjoying the view. For a delicious lunch with the emphasis on high quality, locally sourced produce you can head to the Modern Life restaurant – a stunning setting making the most of floor to ceiling windows and the beautiful Henry Moore on the lawn outside.
The Centre is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Closed all day Monday.
Article written and some images by Sally Bendall @girlabouttravel.
Images copyright: Anastasia Eggers. Boris Maas. Kate Wolstenholme. Maggi Hambling. The Sainsbury Centre
