Two photographic exhibitions that look at human interaction in coastal environments will open at USC Gallery on Thursday 26 March at 6.30pm.

Tubes: the possibility to meet the unknown features surf images from around the world by Brazilian-born photographer Wil Aguiar, while the second exhibition, Responsible Much?, explores issues of sustainability and tourism in Queensland.

Master surfboard shaper and USC PhD candidate Tom Wegener will officially open Wil Aguair’s exhibition of photographs from some of the world’s best surfing locations.

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.”

USC Lecturer in Tourism, Leisure and Events Dr Vikki Schaffer will officially open the second exhibition, Responsible Much? An issue is not an issue until it is your issue.

“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),” Dr Schaffer said.

“Students were encouraged to look beyond the classroom – to explore sustainability and sustainable tourism from differing viewpoints. 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.

It is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays and public holidays.

— Terry Walsh