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Accumulation / Landscapes of the Plastisphere

2019

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch – an accumulation of rubbish that has been carried through the ocean by its currents – is becoming so big it is creating new “continents” of plastic. These plastic masses are home to a vast community of microbial life that scientists have dubbed the Plastisphere.

Although this plastic landscape might be considered by many to be highly toxic, it hosts a thriving and unique ecosystem that exists independently of the Pacific Ocean’s natural life cycles. More than a thousand different species have been found living on a single piece of microplastic from the patch. Whether these lifeforms are feeding on the junk or simply using it as a host, they have the potential to turn the trash in our oceans into a catalyst for evolution.

 

In an immersive installation, Shahar Livne presents the Plastisphere as a meta-reality. Through a combination of video mapping, sound and smell, the viewer is invited to adventure into this surprising ecosystem floating in the Pacific Ocean.

The installation was commissioned for the exhibition 'Geo Design -Junk', Van Abbe Museum, Dutch Design Week 2019, Video Design by Alan Boom

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