Masquerade of Consequences, 2022, Self Portrait
In these two images, I would like to draw attention to the issues of ocean pollution caused by plastic and overfishing. The first photograph addresses the problem of overfishing and fishing nets lost in the ocean that have trapped fish for many years. Coastal nations release about 8 million tons of plastic waste annually into the oceans. Around the world, that’s equivalent to five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of the coastline (Parker 2019). The chemical structure of most plastics makes them resistant to natural degradation processes. As an aquatic creature, I demonstrate how plastic waste destroys the environment. By wearing a mask made of plastic debris, I want to show how ocean pollution affects marine creatures and humans. Through this self-portrait, my main goal is to raise awareness about the negative impact of human actions on the environment. Creating a more sustainable and equitable world for marine species requires systemic change. I wanted to do more than just a simple portrait. “It seems that this notion of self-expression should not be the only criteria for self-portraiture. What other uses then can self-portraiture be put to?” (Angela, 1979). I intended to display something that could not be […]
Read More ›
Street Angels,2021, house building campaign for cats, social-participatory art
During hot seasons, street cats suffer from a lack of clean water; during cold seasons, they struggle to find a warm and dry place to stay. Unfortunately, many cats try to warm themselves by going under car hoods, which can result in their death if the driver turns on the car without realizing the cat is there. To help these cats, I built a house for them with heating equipment and placed it in the parking lot of our apartment complex. I shared a photo of the house on social media and asked my followers to join me in creating safe spaces for street cats in their own neighborhoods. I also created a video showcasing the house I built, as well as other houses that others built. One of the features of my house is an underfloor heating system, which provides warmth for the cats during the colder months.
Read More ›
