The Significance and Beauty of… Trash?

From afar, it may seem like any other art installation. However, this sculpture is anything but normal. Unlike other pieces of art, the polar bear you see above is made up of pieces of trash washed ashore on Oregon’s coast. As a part of the Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea project, Daisy the Polar Bear not only brings awareness to the staggering levels of marine debris present in our oceans but also makes a heart-wrenching statement regarding climate change.

The Washed Ashore non-profit, founded in 2010, aims to increase public attention towards the sea life adversely affected by plastic pollution and other environmental issues impacting our oceans. The project runs a collection of traveling art installations around the country, educational programs, and clean-up efforts among others. Its mission statement is to “build and exhibit aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways and spark positive changes in consumer habits.”

Washed Ashore definitely was not the first to arrive in the Trash Art scene. It definitely will not be the last, either. All over the world, art festivals geared towards featuring up-cycled art pieces are gaining popularity and traction. In fact, a city near you probably has or will host a Trash Art Festival. On the off-chance that there isn’t one near you, you can always take initiative and organize one!

The power of art is undeniable. Humankind has always been fascinated with the beauties and aesthetics. The amount of impact Washed Ashore and other Trash Art exhibitions have should come as no surprise. There are so many ways we can inspire others and catalyze action, and art happens to be one of the most effective; while language can have barriers, art truly is universal.