A practice-based exploration of the aesthetics of the sea and environmental concerns

Abstract

The aim of my dissertation is to explore the aesthetics of the sea as a means of reflecting concern towards the degradation of this space as a result of pollution. This exploration adopts the interplay of colour and the use of text, projection and audio within a multimedia installation to convey the topic of this dissertation. The motivation to engage with the theme of marine pollution, stemmed from my connection with the sea. Growing up on an island, surrounded by the sea, this space has given me profound joy and visual pleasure. I have been deeply concerned by the escalating visibility of pollution, prompting me to question its presence and implications. My inquiry into environmental issues is not something that developed recently, it has been nurtured by the passionate environmentalism of those around me, who have actively shaped my perspective. Their influence fostered a heightened awareness of nature’s fragility and human negligence towards the environment. Thus, it was a natural process for me to consider how I could contribute to an awareness of marine pollution through my artistic praxis. I have aimed to approach the subject with humility, recognizing that my insights are shaped by personal experiences and understanding. I have endeavoured to avoid any implication of unrestricted knowledge or superiority in my writing, viewing this work as a journey of discovery, I am committed to further exploring the complexities of this topic. Inspired by personal experience and grounded in theory, this artistic project engages with a range of artists from the Romantic period to Contemporary artists, to discover the complex issues involved in marine pollution and west-centric man’s contribution to the degradation of this space. Analysing the work of historical representation of the marine landscape has been invaluable in mapping west-centric man’s involvement in the march of capitalism, colonialism, and consumerism. Furthermore, engaging with Land Art from the early 1960s till the late 1980s has revealed the diverse approaches taken by these artists. Some employed acts of destruction to evoke displacement and prompt reflection on the transcendence of humanity’s connection to the land. Others displayed a symbiotic interaction with nature, pertinently reflecting its fragility. Research for this dissertation has revealed that contemporary artists revisit themes of colonialism, consumption, and capitalism sparking discussion on the inevitable presence of pollution in the sea because of these issues. As a practicing artist, I seek to interpret issues of pollution through a multimedia installation. By focusing on the aesthetics of the sea, I hope to visually engage my audience to reflect on a narrative of pollution that has drastically deteriorated the environment of the sea. I hope to encourage my audience to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and nature.