Expeditions to Papua New Guinea

November 7, 2010

A short distance north of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef lays Papua New Guinea, in the heart of the 'Coral Triangle'. The reefs here are the most abundant, diverse and intact coral reef systems remaining on the planet.

Fascinating marine creatures such as pygmy seahorses, 'mimic' octopus, cryptic fish and multitudes of outlandish nudibranchs have only recently been discovered with many more awaiting scientific description. Large animals such as Whale Shark, Hammerheads and Mantas still frequent these waters.

David Hannan has been extensively documenting Papua New Guinea's marine life in the Milne Bay area as a major project since 2006. Many of the scenes in 'Coral Sea Dreaming - Awaken' and 'Undersea Edens' were filmed in this region.

David and the team at Plankton Productions are now creating the largest HD footage library of its kind for use in documentaries, education and all kinds of new media programs.

Read the full news item and view image samples here →

Marine Video Art

February 8, 2010

As a visual artist, David is always experimenting with different ways of taking us to places most of us don't have direct access to.

The development of ever larger display screens expands possibilities for stylish programming beyond traditional media formats. 'Virtual Decor' explores and re-interprets Nature with 'immersive' studies or in more abstract ways, but always highlighting dazzling diversity, colour and movement.

Coral Reefs and their inhabitants are especially appealing subjects for 'Digital Canvas' that can be framed and hung just about anywhere in public spaces or at home.

The 'Surreal Seas' and 'Virtual Ocean' Collections included as extras on Coral Sea Dreaming - Awaken are examples of Davids efforts to define a new genre for his work.

Check out this latest piece below set to a music track by Grace Barbe:

AQUA - A Dance with Nature Documentary

Updated: December 27, 2009

AQUA is a feature documentary project in development chronicling the story of the Great Barrier Reef. In a revolutionary approach to natural history storytelling, AQUA is to be told entirely through contemporary dance music, and is aimed for theatrical release and cross-platform performance festivals and venues. Directed/Edited by Toni Houston and Produced by Bettina Richter (Wish Bone Films), AQUA will feature the coral reef library of David Hannan, and showcase the music of 3 renowned dance DJs/composers including Australia's Endorphin and Europe's Safri Duo.

A preview version of AQUA was screened during the COP15 Climate Conference at The Pumpehuset venue, Copenhagen with the world percussive beats of one of Europe’s biggest dance acts - Safri Duo – playing live alongside.

Checkout pictures of the event on Facebook at:
→ www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988528&id=144495527695

→ For more information about AQUA visit: www.aquadance.com.au