In his book Heat, the Sydney-based photographer Paul Blackmore pays homage to Australia’s obsession with the coast, exploring the relationship between water, heat and humanity. He documents the pursuit of individual freedom on crowded beaches during sweltering summer days and shoots the sea in its various guises – cool, dark and icy; a powerful force to be reckoned with; a backdrop to foggy Bondi mornings; and a stormy refuge for the wild at heart

• Some of these photographs will be on display at Water, a group exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane from 7 December until 26 April 2020

• Sculpture by the Sea: an inspired stroll along Sydney’s coastline – in pictures