thirza schaap 'plastic ocean' series turns trash into sculptural still-lifes in a bid to stop pollution

when thirza schaap moved to africa, she discovered that the treasure hunting tendencies she had as a child had resurfaced, only this time they had more of a global purpose. instead of collecting shimmering stones, seashells, feathers and branches, the dutch-born artist found herself stumbling upon unnatural objects inspiring her series ‘plastic ocean’, recycling her findings by collaging them into contemporary still-life photography in hopes of raising awareness around ocean pollution.

sunday drive

in her own unique way schaap carefully arranges trash against pastel backgrounds giving them a sculptural beauty and a contradiction that exposes the ugly truth. the artists altruistic practice involves scouring the beaches for plastic pieces, toothbrushes, straws, flip-flops, bottles, and any other object that have been thrown away, creating compositions that are colourful and tragically beautiful.

ribbon

‘our beaches are covered in plastic confetti and there really is nothing to celebrate’, expresses schaap. ‘in making artistic sculptures out of the objects I find, I try to evoke an emotional response.‘ photographed in the artists’ back garden, schaap’s series of abtract sculptures illustrate a clash between initial aesthetic attraction and on second glance, a realisation and repulsion as to how they came into existence.

tops

brenton blue

mm…

mother

mussel mania

beach toys

gritty

vuitton

viking

mail

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: kieron marchese | designboom