In 2008 The Happening happened in Sydney, Tokyo, Cornwall, Paris, New York and San Francisco, celebrating surf culture. Dancing, performing, making surfboards and art – blurring the lines between art and life. What started as a small gallery in Laguna Beach, dedicated to the surf culture subcurrent and a few friends making films, painting and music soon evolved into a global cultural movement. This catalog is proof of all the inspiring beauty The Happening once brought together.

“Surfing in its essence is a happening. Walking on water. Drawing lines on the surface of water.” – Will Pennartz

The Happening was organized by Will Pennartz and Emmett Malloy. This exhibition catalog was designed by Jeff Canham and Alex Kopps. On its cover is written “Sydney, March 14, 2018”. It was donated to the library by Mary Jo Matsumoto, an artist from California, USA ❤️

Photos by Anna Iltnere / Sea Library