2025
Seaphony Museum Exhibit
Exhibition
Motion
“Seaphony: Ensembles of the Ocean” is a fictional Smithsonian exhibit concept inspired by the museum's ocean-focused initiatives, including the Sant Ocean Hall and Smithsonian Ocean. It explores the hidden soundscapes of the ocean using hydrophone recordings, transforming scientific data into an engaging, immersive experience.
Focusing on sound-producing marine life such as corals, shrimp, crabs, and whales, the exhibit highlights the ocean as a dynamic acoustic environment.
Moodboard
The moodboard aims to combine science and experience through real audio-driven visuals, creating an immersive underwater mood designed to feel like it is fully submerged.
Style Exploration
These comps explore three stylistic directions: an experimental, immersive photographic approach using digital screens and underwater imagery; an illustrative concept inspired by musical notation and the idea of a marine “ensemble”; and a final hybrid that combines elements of both.
In the end, I chose the digital direction for its accuracy to the exhibit and idea of "living data", while incorporating the “wave” from the second comp. Depth, audio-like linework, and a cyan-blue palette create an underwater feel.
Final System
Entrance Banners
Tickets & Sticker Sheet
Where to next?
Get in touch!
contact@emilycoolbaugh.com
