GYRE, The Plastic Ocean

Now on view at the Anchorage Museum of Alaska is the compelling exhibit, ‘GYRE, the Plastic Ocean.’  ‘GYRE’ combines art and science to show viewers the full scope of this environmental crisis.

In the words of curator, Julie Decker, “With stunning visual impact and an astonishing array of ocean trash, internationally recognized artists create works of art for this exhibition from debris collected from beaches around the world. Plastic packaging in a throwaway culture finds its way into our ocean biosphere and then into the hands of artists. Our oceans and beaches are awash in plastic pollution propelled by gyre (rotating ocean currents). The exhibition explores the relationship between humans and the ocean in a contemporary culture of consumption. “

My three pieces in the show are illustrations of figures in the trash filled water. Other artists, such as Mark Dion, created beautifully organized display cases of found objects. So interesting to see how other artists approach the problem.

‘GYRE’, will remain on view until September 6. It will then tour with the Smithsonian. People seem to becoming aware of the problem. For more information trash in the oceans, check out www.oceanconservancy.org. Also, #marine  #debris  Thank you!

DOES ANYONE KNOW THESE MOTHERS?

Their photos were part of an entire album thrown out with the trash on Rodney Street. I added my photos of houses on the Eastside along with bits and pieces to mark locations. The frames are wood from Buffalo ReUse, sanded just enough to reveal more layers of time. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. These mothers are long forgotten but their DNA, their children’s children could still be in Buffalo. Their life goes on.