Amalgamated Fragmentations / Plastiverse
©2021
My long-term project focuses on the fundamental interpenetration of all things within the anthroposphere, which constitutes the technosphere.
Our perception of nature as static, balanced and harmonious is naive and must be reconsidered. Whereas technology and nature were traditionally viewed as opposites, they now appear to be merging, or even exchanging places. There is invasion and penetration in both directions: Plastic particles enter organic matter, and bacteria and fungi enter man-made matter.
Wherever I go in search of plastic — whether in urban or rural areas, or by the sea — I encounter microplastics in the soil, sand, and water. As we know, plastic production is not degraded; it increases annually by multiples, and 80% of the resulting waste ends up in the environment — 86 million tonnes of which end up in the ocean. Only 9% is recycled, while 19% is incinerated.
The distinction between organic and man-made matter is becoming increasingly difficult to discern visually, and organisms are ingesting these nanoparticles because cells do not recognise them as enemies. Even my pseudo-scientific experiments in the studio have demonstrated how bacteria, moulds and plastic particles can form new matter during decay processes.
Using found objects and my own photographs, I have employed various analogue and digital techniques to create playful images that address a serious present and future issue.
