Winsted, CT – CT State Northwestern’s Gallery at Founders Hall will open their exhibit line-up this fall on Monday, August 25 with Life at Sea, a powerful and intimate glimpse into the lives of seafarers—those unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep the global trade economy afloat.
Through a series of poignant images taken by seafarers themselves, the exhibition presents an insider’s view of daily life onboard, shedding light on the often-overlooked human side of this essential workforce.
The photographic series will be on exhibit through Wednesday, September 24. An opening reception, featuring Enrico Esopa, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2 to 4 p.m. Esopa is the East Coast International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) union representative and a former seafarer who will discuss the conditions seafarers work under.
Both the gallery and the reception are free and open to the public.
The exhibition stems from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust’s annual photo competition, which began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic when thousands of seafarers were stranded at sea due to closed borders and crew change disruptions. Unable to return home, the ITF Trust invited seafarers to share their experiences through photography, allowing the world a rare, unfiltered glimpse into their lives, while raising awareness of their role in global trade and the human challenges they faced during the pandemic. What started as a one-time initiative has turned into an ongoing effort to capture the stories and emotions of seafarers beyond their profession.
“We are incredibly proud to host this exhibition and bring attention to the spectacular photography that captures the essence of life at sea,” said Deb Kline, CT State Northwestern Assistant Professor and Gallery Coordinator. “This collection offers a rare opportunity for those outside the maritime world to connect with the human lives behind the shipping containers, cargo holds, and vast oceans. It is our hope that by showcasing these images, we can bridge the gap between the shoreline and the ships, fostering greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by this dedicated workforce.”
Through these images, the exhibition highlights the resilience, isolation, camaraderie, and pride that define life at sea,” said Kline. “This exhibition serves not only as a tribute to seafarers, but as an educational tool, giving non-maritime audiences an unprecedented insight into the complex realities of life on board.”
CT State Northwestern is committed to fostering a vibrant arts community by providing a space for artists to showcase their work and engage with the public. The Gallery, located on the first floor of Founders Hall, 4 Park Place, is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions featuring contemporary artists working in a variety of media. For information about the show or gallery contact Deborah.Kline@ctstate.edu.