The Pearl Diver’s Dream Exhibition
SOL Gallery
2 – 21 December 2025
Photos courtesy of SOL Gallery
Ryan’s journey for this exhibition started many years ago when they became enamoured by an Australian artists interpretation of “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife” by Katsushika Hokusai. The images of both the print and painting were erotically charged and sensual, but there was an uncomfortable dominance about them that lingered over the years. So, they decided to create their own interpretation of this very famous and widely influential piece; then reflect of what that imagery means to them. The result is “The Pearl Diver’s Dream”: paintings, stencils, drawing, woodblock prints, sculpture and wall mounted decorative mirrors that tell the story of the Pearl Diver: her thoughts, dreams and reflections on life.
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The Pearl diver’s life is to dive for pearls, collecting the clams from the ocean floor and selling the pearls to the local crafts people to make beautiful trinkets and treasures.
When she dives down to the seabed she sees many creatures; fish, anemones, eels and octopi going about their daily existence. She entertains herself with little stories of the creatures as she goes about her task.
She day dreams about diving into the ocean filled with pearls; pearls that you could grab by the handful. But it’s only a wonderful fantasy.
One night as she drifts off to sleep, she remembers the perfectly formed pure white pearl she found that day. She reflects on her find and her achievements. She is proud of herself, and dreams of the octopus.
She doesn’t care what people think, this is her dream, her fantasy. No one needs to know. These thoughts are her own.
Her pleasure is self-love. It satisfies her and makes her content.
Before she drifts off to sleep, she gives a last gasp of pleasure.
Her dreams are filled with the thoughts of the day: a mix of sights, sounds, contentment, warmth.
Happy with her life. It is simple and rewarding, with the occasional dream of the octopus.
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Ocean
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Summer
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Autumn
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Winter
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Spring
Pearl Diver’s Dream – Future
This initially amusing product is the culmination and finale to the entire Pearl Diver’s series. It’s packaging and signage not only represent an octopus themed sex toy, but also the reality of what the ‘Dream of the Fisherman’s wife’ image is portraying. An octopus has a beak for a mouth; a beak that is more than capable of biting through rock and tough shells.
Special note:
This piece wouldn’t have been possible without the 3D printed octopi’s beak by Kid Kenpachi – he’s an absolute ‘raconteur’ wizard! From the very first time I mentioned my idea he was onboard and excited to help me create my vision. THANKS HEAPS!
BeeQk
(Limited edition 3: black, pink & lime)
Additional:
It sounds good to me (floral pattern)
It sounds good to me (octopus’ beak)
It sounds good to me (octopus tentacle)
It sounds good to me (Pearl Diver’s Dream)
