Coolbellup Artist's Underwater Portraits to Feature in 2026 Show Off Exhibition
An upcoming art exhibition will showcase a unique blend of portrait and underwater photography, featuring the work of Coolbellup artist Jasmine Skye. The 2026 Show Off exhibition is scheduled to run from March 21 to 29 at the Memorial Hall in Hamilton Hill, marking its 21st edition since its inception in 2003 to promote Cockburn's visual arts scene.
Exhibition Highlights and Participating Artists
Skye will contribute two underwater portraits from her 2023 solo exhibition, Underneath, joining the artworks of more than 100 fellow Cockburn artists. Notably, 25 of these exhibitors will be making their debut at Show Off this year. Returning artists include Sharyn Egan, Larry Mitchell, Trevor Vickers, George Haynes, Jane Martin, Neta Knapp, Greg Baker, Megan Kirwan Ward, Debbie Walker Tremlett, Margaret Coxall, and Miles Carpenter, adding to the event's diverse and experienced lineup.
Jasmine Skye's Artistic Journey
By profession, Skye is a paediatric nurse who first picked up a camera to capture her son's babyhood moments, leading her to establish a maternity, newborn, and family portrait photography business two years later. In 2016, she faced artistic burnout but reignited her creativity through underwater photography. "I was searching for something to bring the spark back and I'd seen a photo taken underwater," Skye explained. Her initial shoot with a pregnant friend in a river was challenging but inspired her to explore this dynamic style further.
Over several years, Skye tested and refined her underwater techniques, which have since become her passion. She photographed 63 women in volunteer modelling shoots over 12 months to create her solo showcase, Underneath, also published as a large-format photography book. "Creating the exhibition allowed me to make all the decisions about what my photographs looked like; I was the client," she said, noting that this process helped her embrace her identity as an artist by moving beyond traditional flattering portraits to explore her creative voice.
Community Support and Impact
City of Cockburn art and culture co-ordinator Cassandra Cooper praised the growing strength of the local arts community. "The city is proud to support our artists across all genres in all stages of their artistic journey," Ms Cooper stated. She emphasized the reward of hosting a free exhibition that delights and inspires the community's arts supporters.
Mayor Logan Howlett, who has attended all 21 Show Off exhibitions, expressed enthusiasm for the event. "My wife Pat and I are enthusiastic art appreciators and love this annual opportunity to see the creativity that Cockburn is becoming well known for, and it gives us a chance to purchase something for our own collection," he said. The exhibition continues to foster artistic appreciation and engagement within the region.
