cyanotype series by SDMM documents ocean crises through shenzhen's coastline debris

SDMM uses cyanotype to depict ocean plastic pollution

Yatu Tan and Zixin He from the Sustainable Design (material) Museum (SDMM) present Cyanotype Intruder, a photography series that reimagines Shenzhen, China’s marine waste, using cyanotype techniques. Inspired by 19th-century British botanist Anna Atkins, the project highlights the environmental impact of plastic pollution in the oceans, transforming debris collected from the Shenzhen coastline into artistic expressions. By merging historical cyanotype methods with contemporary environmental concerns, SDMM showcases the tension between natural marine textures and the artificial landscapes created by human waste. Cyanotype Intruder visually explores the complex relationship between the ocean’s ecology and human intervention.

all images courtesy of SDMM

Cyanotype Intruder series draws on Anna Atkins’ work

Drawing on Anna Atkins’ cyanotype work with seaweed textures, Cyanotype Intruder contrasts the natural marine life of 19th-century Britain with the plastic pollution of 21st-century Shenzhen. This juxtaposition highlights the shift from organic marine environments to those dominated by waste, emphasizing the profound effect of human activities on the oceans. The cyanotypes by SDMM provide a reflection on the changes over time, encouraging viewers to think about how natural beauty is replaced by human-made debris. Focusing on the Shenzhen coastline, the Chinese sustainable design practice addresses a global issue. Documenting local waste speaks to the broader environmental crisis affecting oceans worldwide. This regional approach, combined with global environmental themes, underscores the interconnectedness of marine pollution and the need for global cooperation in tackling the problem. 

tea shop disposable plastic cup

plastic woven bag

pump head for plastic bottles

fruit protective mesh bag

packaging Bubble Wrap

Book Cover of the project

the project highlights the environmental impact of plastic pollution in the oceans

transforming debris collected from the Shenzhen coastline into artistic expressions

project info:

name: Photographs of Shenzhen Marine Fabric: Cyanotype Intruder
artist: Sustainable Design (material) Museum (SDMM) | @sdmm_official, Yatu Tan, Zixin He

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom