Plastocene -- Marine Mutants from a Disposable World is an art exhibition by Porky Hefer designed to illustrate the impacts of plastic waste on the planet's marine life. The South African designer imagined five giant sea monsters made from recycled material for the large-scale installation.
The exhibition explores a post-human world where plastic has become an integral part of some animals' DNA. The dystopic vision was influenced by National Geographic's 'Planet or Plastic' magazine. Plastocene features a giant octopus made from thousands of felt cigarette butts. It also includes a multicolored fish built out of ghost nets and marine rope, and a blowfish made from 120 crocheted straws. The artist decided to include a half-monster-half-coffee cup dubbed the Flat White, made with Q-tips.
Plastic Waste Art Expositions
Plastocene is Porky Hefer's Social Commentary on Wastefulness
Trend Themes
1. Plastic Art Installations - Art installations made from recycled plastic materials to showcase the impacts of plastic waste on the environment and offer new ways to reuse waste materials.
2. Upcycling Sculptures - Sculptures and installations made from plastic waste and other materials that would otherwise be disposed of, providing a new creative outlet for waste reduction.
3. Environmental Awareness Art - Artistic installations that raise awareness about environmental issues such as plastic waste and encourage people to take action to reduce their impact on the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can incorporate the use of recycled materials in their work, encouraging more sustainable practices and promoting environmental awareness through creative expression.
2. Waste Management - The waste management industry can explore opportunities to work with artists and designers to identify ways to creatively repurpose waste materials and reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills.
3. Sustainability - The sustainability industry can leverage art installations like Plastocene as a tool to raise public awareness and encourage behavioral changes to achieve a more sustainable future.