Maria Varney

Initially I conducted research on the pernicious impact that microplastics had on the ecosystems of the Mariana trench, which is the deepest part of the ocean, and found that all the samples taken from inhabitants contained microplastics. (Askham, 2021) Based on empirical evidence the Angler fish is at the risk of extinction (Davis, 2019)and will create great disparity within the populations of other sea life which depend on it. This postulated the shift in my work to repurpose plastics, especially those which I am responsible for, in order to reduce the impact on the aforementioned ecosystems whilst pushing the underlying narrative of conservation. Repurposing assuages the environmental impact and inherently guilt too.

By conducting various techniques on everyday plastics, I created multiple samples and a facet of them explored crochet as a conjoining technique. I. essentially created dome like structures (which resembled coral reefs) repurposing: plastic bags, gloves and dance costumes. Incorporating dance costume was an integral part of this project as it was incorporating my own excessive consumption of plastic through clothing composition. As can be expected the costuming was of completely plastic makeup – I used the labelling within my compositions to highlight the effect of mass consumerism.

Seminal research of Cesar Baldaccini’s (Tate, 2020) compression series which led to the development of not only primary photography of air mattresses being distorted, but his influence is seen throughout the development of my project. It is evident in the final image as I used a plastic tempered plate over plastic samples to compress and distort their appearance. It engenders the crochet domes to appear as though they are submerged and distorted.

By the final stages of development of this project I had developed ambivalent feelings towards plastic, whilst it has dire effects on the preservation of endangered species, it also can be utilised and repurposed in a beautiful manner. On reflection I think this image conveys how this media can be retaken and given a new life but also reinforces the underlying message of extinction.