Distorted Depths Cyanotypes

Distorted Depths

This project, commissioned by Science Gallery Detroit, uses fascination with deep sea creatures to raise awareness about the growing quantity of microplastics in our oceans.  The cyanotypes exhibited are contact prints produced by placing small sculptures made from recycled plastic on light sensitive paper.  A recent study conducted by the National University of Ireland in Galway found plastic particles in 73 percent of deep sea fish in the North Atlantic, including fish that are eaten by humans.  The current threat of microplastic pollution poses a huge threat to sea creatures beloved by the public, but the problem is much harder to visualize than other forms of pollution in a way that can generate an emotional response the way a video of a sea turtle choking on a plastic bag can.   By using discarded plastic to actually create the images of sea creatures, this project builds a stronger visual and emotional connection between the problem of microplastic pollution in our oceans and the animals that are being most affected by it.