ZEN Department Store in association with the Embassy of France in Thailand invites you to witness a spectacular photography exhibition that will take you to a wondrous world deep into the blue oceans.

“Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm” by Laurent Ballesta & Pierre Descamp, to be opened on 5 June, World Environment Day, is aimed at instilling the environmental awareness among ZEN customers and general public as well as at reiterating the three Rs concept - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – which has been campaigned globally. The annual art & photography event by ZEN is under ZEN’s principal environment-related campaign, ZEN Earth Care Society: We Do Our Part for a Greener Earth, and a part of La Fête 2009, the 6th French Cultural Festival held annually in Bangkok.

This truly exciting exhibition features spectacular images of marine environment taken by world-class French photographer Laurent Ballesta whose dives with deep devotion and unsurpassed passion in different parts under the oceans around the world unveiled many an underwater mystery and brought the magic of marine biodiversity to the wider public. A dedicated marine biologist, he is the only photographer to have thrice obtained the Palme d’Or at the World Festival of Underwater Pictures at Antibes, France.

The 20 million-Baht event will cover 2,500 square meters with 88 spectacular photographs by Laurent displayed. The one-of-a-kind exhibition will also feature special designs that emphasize great durability and environmental friendliness for example by means of using energy-saving lamps. A specially-made map locating the dive sites from which the photographer took his pictures will also be displayed which will enhance the overall experience of viewing the exhibition.

With Planet Ocean exhibition being highly received in Europe, Laurent is highly regarded as one of the best diver-photographers of his generation with his wonderful shots being exhibited in more than 15 events in Europe including France, Germany, Poland, Monaco, etc. ZEN Department Store is honored to hold the photographical event for the first time in Asia.

Planet Ocean: Voyage to the heart of the marine realm By Laurent Ballesta & Pierre Descamp, a not-to-be-missed and internationally-acclaimed exhibition, will be open for public from 10 an – 10 pm, 5 June – 12 August 2009 at ZEN Outdoor Arena and Amphitheatre Zone, Central World.

Photo by Laurent Ballesta from the book “Planet OCEAN” (published by National Geographic). All Rights Reserved.