Anthropocene: Human Influence on Evolution and the Biosphere

Abstract

Through my art investigations I work to bring awareness to the public in order to create understanding of the issues surrounding the human impact on the environment and its long term effects. Further to the island investigations I will be explore evolution and how the Anthropocene is influencing plant selection and behaviour. This is done through the microscopic window of Bio-Art using the Dandelion and Tree Dandelion as my metaphors for the environmental changes that are occurring. The artworks at the centre of this enquiry will consist of (but are not exclusive to) photographic, video, projection, installation, Perspex, ceramic and sculpture. My final examination works include 1 hanging work Corpses from the Everyday, measured, colour coded and catalogued plastic debris from Lord Howe Island, printed in continuous text on vinyl 360 x 500 cm. Two installations, one Towards Dystopia is a combination of plastic/ Perspex, water, text and ceramics. Water Installation, film and sound; ceramics, Perspex Petri dish, Perspex fish tank, transparent piping, fountain pump, clear plastic sheeting, beach debris collected from Lord Howe Island, highly salted water and a tea urn. Size varies 2015 Perspex is vital to the works that I am producing, reflecting the connection we have to this product of the oil industry which is having such wide reaching impact. Gagged is a 3 piece video installation showing performance artist Molly Morphew anthropomorphizing the bird as described in the text by Carl Safina, this performance was videoed from 3 different angles and all three are displayed in larger than life scale. Sounds of gagging are heard overlapping as the performance loops, the text from Gyre the Plastic Ocean by Carl Safina (copyright obtained) is included in the installation.