I stumbled upon this fascinating and mega eye-opening project called Washed Up, by artist Alejandro Durán and just had to share- I think it's something everyone should see! (via Notcot)
From the project statement:
"Washed Up is an ongoing project by Mexican-born, New York-based artist Alejandro Durán that addresses the issue of plastic pollution making its way across the ocean and onto the shores of Sian Ka’an, Mexico’s largest federally-protected reserve. Unfortunately, Sian Ka’an is also a repository for the world’s trash, which is carried there by ocean currents from every corner of the globe."
"Over the course of this project, Durán has identified products washed ashore from forty-two nations on six continents. The resulting photo series depicts a new form of colonization by consumerism, where even undeveloped land is not safe from the far-reaching impact of our disposable culture."
"Washed Up speaks to the environmental concerns of our time and its vast quantity of discarded materials. Beyond turning trash into treasure, the alchemy of Washed Up lies in the project’s potential to raise awareness and change our relationship to consumption and waste."
Really awesome in a good/bad sorta way!! I love those multi-colored bottlecaps!
Posted by: drsmoothdeath | Jun 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Beautiful photographs, Horrible problem. Thanks for sharing this amazing project.
Posted by: Sarah | Jun 15, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Wow, what an incredible project. The startling fact that refuse has been washed up from over 40 countries is the most eye-opening (and disgusting) thing learned from the project. Thank you for sharing!
-Lisa
Posted by: bein good to me | Jun 15, 2011 at 11:53 AM
whoa, it's like an environmental Andy Goldsworthy. Love the concept, message and images!
Posted by: AcanthusNichole | Jun 15, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Whoa, that is crazy! Do you think he moved the garbage at all for the shots? It looks so (beautifully?) arranged -- even more unbelievable if this is how he actually stumbled upon it. How weird/awesome/awful all at once.
Posted by: Lindsey @ Yarnia | Jun 15, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Oh yeah, its a very intently arranged art project. Strange how it can be so visually stunning but so disturbing all at once!
Posted by: Miss Modish | Jun 15, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Everytime I hear about this problem - it makes me so sad. It's really great that this artist is using their art to bring awareness to this issue. And yes the images are beautiful, if disturbing, and a huge thank you for sharing for sure. But if anyone is feeling brave - just google images for "plastic ocean pollution" for the real deal. It's a serious eye opener. It's hard to fathom how big of a problem it really is until you see the mountain of pictures of the mountains of trash.
Also, if you do see the images and maybe catch some articles on the magnitude of this issue - it can and will probably seem like a very overwhelming thing. Just remember EVERYone can do their part. It just takes one to make a difference. And every little bit does help - really and truly. <3
Thanks, Miss Modish, for this great post!
Posted by: Cassandra | Jun 15, 2011 at 01:40 PM
This reminds me of the "5 'Unspoiled' Locations That Are Actually Pretty Spoiled" list from Cracked.com. The link: http://www.cracked.com/article_19173_5-unspoiled-locations-that-are-actually-pretty-spoiled.html
There's pollution everywhere...
Posted by: iris | Jun 15, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I know, its maddening. Thanks for that link!
Posted by: Miss Modish | Jun 15, 2011 at 03:53 PM
unbelievable! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by: cynthia | Jun 16, 2011 at 08:31 AM
Fantastic project that has the potential to raise awareness of this ongoing and overwhelming issue. Stunning photos!
Posted by: michele | Jun 16, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Wow, what an amazing project. This really emphasizes the importance of reusing and recycling plastics.
Posted by: Meli (Blush + Jelly) | Jun 16, 2011 at 02:04 PM
wow that's an incredible series. so heartbreaking but yet so beautiful all at once.
Posted by: Andrea | Jun 16, 2011 at 08:48 PM
I love these pictures.
They are creative and beautiful.
Posted by: Elnaz Madadi | Jun 19, 2011 at 02:32 AM
It's always creating a conflicting reaction when an artist creates something beautiful from something ugly - and it's one of my favorite concepts. Very (un)cool!! ;)
Posted by: Lady Estrogen | Jun 20, 2011 at 07:37 PM
To protect the environment against all environmental disaters this is a great idea.
Posted by: Clipping Path | Aug 01, 2011 at 02:19 AM