If you want to catch some great waves but not get wet, come along to the official opening of a stunning photographic exhibition at USC Gallery tomorrow (Thursday 26 March) at 6.30pm.

Tubes: the possibility to meet the unknown features spectacular surf images from around the world by Brazilian-born photographer Wil Aguiar.

Master surfboard shaper and USC PhD candidate Tom Wegener will officially open this exhibition of photographs that almost immerse the viewer into some of the world’s best surf breaks.

USC Gallery Curator Dawn Oelrich said the collection included images from Mexico (Puerto Escondido), Indonesia (Mentawai, G-Land, Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok, Nusa Lembongam), Australia (from Bells Beach to the Sunshine Coast) and Brazil (Southeast, South, Northeast and Fernando de Noronha).

“Wil has worked as a professional photographer since 2011 and published his amazing images in both print and web magazines and this is his first exhibition in Australia,” she said.

“His photography reveals the unseen; the untouched; the smell of the water. Those addicted to the surf, and even those who are not, will love these images.”

A second exhibition, Responsible Much? An issue is not an issue until it is your issue, will also open tomorrow exploring issues of sustainability and tourism in Queensland.

USC Lecturer in Tourism, Leisure and Events Dr Vikki Schaffer said this exhibition was developed with the assistance of students after discussing “green fatigue” and the idea that people are tired of the ‘S’-word (sustainability).

“Students were encouraged to look beyond the classroom – to explore sustainability and sustainable tourism from differing viewpoints,” Dr Schaffer said.

“This exhibition aims to stimulate discussion about this pressing issue by examining the physical, socio-cultural and economic impacts of sustainable tourism and a future consistent with natural, social and community values.”

Both exhibitions will continue at the USC Gallery until Saturday 9 May. The gallery is located at the University campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs and is open free to the public 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday except public holidays.

— Terry Walsh