# Toxic Slime Photography These Photos from Steven Hirsch are of the Gowanus Canal's Polluted Waters By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-11-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steven-hirsch References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037832/strangely-beautiful-photos-of-toxic-slime-from-a-disgustingly-polluted-brooklyn-canal) & [gowanuscanalbrooklyn.blogspot](http://gowanuscanalbrooklyn.blogspot.ca) In surprisingly cosmic captures of [toxic slime](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sloomoo-institute) taken from the surface of a Brooklyn canal, Steven Hirsch will be [exhibiting at the Lilac Gallery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-yanko) on 5th Avenue from November 12th to December 1st, 2014. Gowanus: Off the Water's Surface features unusually beautiful photography. The subject is the oily water found at New York's Superfund site. Steven Hirsch was inspired after coming across "a gold mine of slime" in the spring, when heavy rain resulted in the [Gowanus Canal's water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canal-cafe) being full of toxic runoff. As the location provides a dumping ground for overflowing sewers in storms, pouring a number of pollutants and heavy metals into the water. The images were edited using heightened contrast, but still showcase the original colors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Toxic Slime Aesthetics:** The trend of finding beauty in polluted and toxic environments presents opportunities for artistic expression and environmental activism. - **Environmental Documentaries:** With the increase in awareness and interest in environmental topics, creating more documentaries about polluted environments and their effects can be a disruptive innovation opportunity. - **Eco-friendly Photography:** As concerns for the environment grow, the trend of using eco-friendly materials and practices in photography can lead to disruptive innovation in the industry. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry can embrace the trend of toxic slime aesthetics by featuring art pieces that present polluted environments in a new and visually appealing perspective. - **Film:** Documentary filmmakers can use Steven Hirsch's work as inspiration to produce films that bring attention to the issue of pollution and its impact on our planet. - **Photography:** The trend of eco-friendly photography presents opportunities for the photography industry to develop new products and services that are sustainable and responsible towards the environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chalk Streams Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/british-conceptual-landscape-photographer.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Thriller-Inspired Slime Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-slime.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Dark Abstracted Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-minyades-exhibition.md)