In the beginning, Duke Riley’s artistic endeavors were focused on creating nautical treasures such as sailor’s valentines and scrimshaws, meticulously crafted from seashells, bones, and various other natural materials found along the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and greater New York. However, a fateful stroll in 2017 took Duke’s artistic path in a new direction. As he meandered, he came across what appeared to be a fragment of bone on the ground. Intrigued, he examined it more closely, only to discover that it was a plastic brush designed for cleaning boats. This discovery sparked a shift in Duke’s creative pursuits.
That moment was the game-changer for him. It was like a light bulb went off in his head and everything shifted. It was a pivotal point in his journey, where he realized the importance of what he was doing. It sparked a fire within him, propelling him forward with renewed passion and determination. It was a real “ah-ha” moment, when everything suddenly made sense and clicked into place. From that moment on, he knew he couldn’t go back to his old ways. It was a turning point that transformed his practice and set him on a new and exciting path.
“I’m all about capturing the true essence of the shoreline,” shared Riley, a talented artist who divides his days between the bustling streets of Brooklyn and the serene solace of his houseboat nestled along the picturesque Rhode Island coast. To truly convey the dynamic beauty, Riley realized he needed to explore different artistic avenues.
In the past year, Riley amazed the audience at the Brooklyn Museum with an incredible display of over 200 artworks, all crafted from an extensive collection of plastic items they collected from various East Coast beaches. These pieces of art were created using everyday objects such as detergent bottles, toothbrushes, and even tampon applicators. Working alongside the dedicated Michele Klimczak, who tirelessly combs through garbage to find these materials, Riley transformed these discarded items into stunning masterpieces for everyone to admire.
Humans produce about 8 billion tons of plastic each year. Plastic production is responsible for about 4.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions, nearly twice as much as what the aviation industry produces. Only about 9% of all the plastic ever produced has ever been recycled. It seeps into rivers and streams. It lives in the bellies of fish and seabirds. Microplastics pump through our veins and accumulate in our lungs.
The magnitude of the plastics dilemma is nearly impossible to grasp. However, artists and museums are taking strides to highlight the issue and encouraging viewers to reconsider their habits when it comes to consuming. By employing creative expression and thought-provoking exhibits, they are effectively sparking dialogue and inspiring change.
In May, the Venice Biennale of Architecture showcased an extraordinary exhibition called “Everlasting Plastics.” This unique event delved into the complex and intricate relationship between humanity and plastic, exploring it through the brilliant creations of five incredibly talented artists. The exhibit featured a remarkable assortment of works, including stunning baskets ingeniously crafted from recycled plastic bottles, as well as awe-inspiring sculptures that seemed to be caught in the act of melting, with the illusion of liquid plastic running down their surfaces. It was a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience that shed light on the ubiquitous presence and impact of plastic in our lives.
According to co-curator Lauren Leving, plastic has become an integral part of American culture, touching everything from toys to camping coolers. It was in the United States that polymers were perfected and then spread around the world. However, Leving highlights that our connection with plastic has taken a disturbing turn, as it has become a global issue with serious environmental consequences.
In Lower Manhattan, artist Beverly Barkat revealed a breathtaking display in June: a globe consisting of 180 panels crafted entirely from plastic waste. On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, sculptor Willie Cole followed suit in July by installing four stunning chandeliers ingeniously assembled with 9,000 discarded water bottles. Riley, a knowledgeable expert on the matter, emphasizes that the issue at hand is complex and elusive, extending far beyond our immediate visibility. However, Riley believes that art has the power to initiate discussions and shed light on these problems, enabling people to gain a better understanding and tackle them head-on. Although there are no quick fixes, engaging with art can be a crucial step towards addressing the perplexing challenges posed by plastic waste.
According to Liz St. George, the curator of Riley’s exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, visitors have been contemplating their own consumption habits while observing Riley’s artworks. She mentioned that people would come across a plastic object, such as a dental pick, and realize its significance in their daily lives. This observation prompts them to reflect upon the impact of their personal consumption choices. For example, they might ask themselves questions like, “How often do I use this item?” or “What alternatives can I explore?” It’s fascinating to witness how the art stimulates such introspection and raises awareness about our individual consumption patterns.
According to St. George, artists are not only investigating the use of plastics in their artwork, but they are also finding practical ways to deal with the crisis. For example, Riley takes a proactive approach by organizing clean-up activities along the shores of Gunnison Beach in New Jersey.
In 2008, the talented artist Aurora Robson embarked on an exciting venture called Project Vortex. With her unique skill in crafting exquisite sculptures resembling radiant bursts of stars using plastic materials, she gathered a community of like-minded artists and designers who are passionate about transforming single-use plastics into something beautiful and meaningful. Together, they have not only created stunning works of art but also developed an educational program focused on the creative utilization of plastic waste. It is through this program that Robson warmly engages with young students, inspiring them to embrace their creativity and turn discarded objects into art treasures.
Robson perceives the challenges of climate change and plastic crises as obstacles intertwined with the necessity for innovative thinking. From her perspective, envisioning new possibilities is the key to addressing these issues effectively. In her words, she aims to inspire hope and stimulate individuals to contemplate their own potential impact. By showcasing her achievements in plastic management, she sparks thoughts like: “If she can achieve so much with plastic, what are the possibilities for myself?” Through this mindset, she encourages others to explore creative problem-solving and envision a brighter future.
According to Willie Cole, a talented artist residing at Rutgers University, his marvelous chandeliers serve as a powerful testament to the pervasive nature of plastics in our daily lives. They also shed light on the arduous task of severing ties with this material. Cole’s artistry involves incorporating plastic bottles into his work, a poignant reminder of the staggering 70,000 instances in which plastic water bottles were distributed across his hometown, Newark, New Jersey. This surge occurred after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed the city’s lead-contaminated water unsafe for consumption. Hence, Cole’s chandeliers embody the perplexing challenges associated with our reliance on plastics, leaving us to wonder how we can escape this inescapable predicament.
Meet Cole, a visionary artist who likes to think of himself as a “perceptual engineer”. Through his incredible work, Cole has the power to transform our perspective and open our minds to new possibilities. He has a deep desire to inspire people to rethink their consumption habits through his sculptures. Cole humbly acknowledges that he may not be able to single-handedly change the world, but he knows that with every chandelier he creates, individuals are motivated to donate their plastic water bottles to him. It’s a small step towards greater awareness and positive change, one piece of art at a time.