Selfmade

In the far future, how different will the natural landscapes we collectively treasure, in the places we live, travel to and covet as wonders of the natural world, actually look? Will landfills – currently occupying spaces we can conveniently ignore or forget – become so gigantic that we see them as mountains alongside rock formations? Our local beaches are already left looking like rubbish dumps each summer, with visitors seeking sand and sun sat among discarded nappies, crisp packets and water bottles. Rise Up. Clean Up. has conducted 42 beach cleans over the past three summers, with 968 bin bags of rubbish collected. In total, that’s 4.8 tonnes, which covers 242m2 – a full three quarters of Margate Sands beach.

From a distance, this painting is a highly-rendered mountainscape, with everything you would expect from the artistic vocabulary of a moody Dutch master. The scene begs you to take a closer look, however, and discover the finer details. Plastic bags inform the textures, their creases cleverly disguising the brutal truth behind our current horrendous problems with rubbish. 

Everyday Plastic is a Margate-based, research-led non-profit focused on evidence-based education and campaigns. Through active participation with members of the public, they help individuals and organisations understand the realities of everyday plastic use, and how they can make a difference to the future of the natural world and our own.

Instagram: @riseupresidency_
www.riseupresidency.co.uk/
www.riseupcleanup.co.uk/