Vanishing Point Unseen : an art/science collaboration on oceanic microplastic pollution

Following up on the outstanding success of our exhibition in 2015 on ocean plastic pollution, the Vanishing Point team of artists and scientists is reuniting to collaborate on a project and exhibition in 2017 to promote awareness of the ocean microplastic pollution. From microbeads in personal care products, microfibers in synthetic clothing, and fragments derived from the breakdown of larger debris, microplastics are increasingly invading our marine systems and food chains. This is now recognised as a serious global environmental issue. By combining the skills of our artists with the knowledge of our scientists, we engage the public through visual beauty and simplicity, whilst leading them on a journey to raise awareness of this pressing issue. Through the mediums of painting, photography, poetry, woodwork, sculpture, printmaking and jewelry, each of the artists involved bring their own particular viewpoint to the project. Unseen will focus on the impact of microplastics on the beauty of the ocean and the life forms within and supported by it. The unseen nature of microplastics will be the common theme running though all of the artists’ work and will act as metaphors for understanding the impact of microplastics on the environment and our lives. Members of the Vanishing Point team will present the philosophy of our approach we use to help draw attention to the enormous environmental issue of ocean plastic pollution in our oceans.