Invasion

Invasion aims to dramatize the issue of plastic waste in our society through manipulation of landscapes, while simultaneously raising awareness and igniting a desire for change. To emphasize the importance of this issue, I composite white sheets of plastic into landscapes relatively untouched by man. The plastic is then manipulated to conform different environments, referencing natural occurrences such as flooding, infestation or discarded trash. My process has heightened my growing hatred with plastic, and I’ve begun to view its role in the environment as an invasive species. Primarily spread through human activity, plastic is the invasive species we never expected, but what we unintentionally created. Its versatility and durability warranted plastic to quickly become imperative to society, fueled by consumers desire for disposable products. As a result, 448 million tons of plastic are produced every year, yet less than one fifth is properly recycled. Our excessive waste can easily be overlooked, something even I’m guilty of doing. The more time I spend immersed in our natural world, the harder it is to ignore the plastic waste partially buried in the ground or tangled in the roots and branches of trees. A future of plastic engulfing the earth is unlikely, but the consequences of plastic are not to be ignored. If proper action is taken, the harmful effects can be reversed, and we can preserve not only our planet, but our home.