taz.de
Art Installation Highlights 44,000 Endangered Species Amidst Plastic Pollution Crisis
Irina Ahrend-Liu's art installation in Schenefeld, Germany, uses 1,000 PET bottles, each portraying an endangered species, to illustrate the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity and the cyclical nature of environmental damage.
- How many species are currently threatened with extinction according to the research presented in the art installation, and what is the core message conveyed by the artwork?
- Over 44,000 species worldwide are threatened with extinction, according to a three-year research project by Irina Ahrend-Liu and her husband. Their art installation uses 1,000 PET bottles, each containing a painted portrait of an endangered species, to form a large net, symbolizing the entanglement of species and plastic pollution.
- What is the artistic approach used to highlight the connection between plastic pollution and species extinction, and what is the significance of the two-year preparation time?
- The art installation connects the extinction crisis with plastic pollution in the oceans, highlighting the detrimental impact of human actions on biodiversity. The artists aim to raise awareness by creating a powerful visual representation of the problem and its consequences, including the return of microplastics to humans.
- What is the potential long-term impact of this artistic approach in raising public awareness about the interconnectedness of environmental issues and prompting behavioral changes?
- The project's long-term impact hinges on its ability to foster empathy and understanding of the interconnectedness between human actions and environmental destruction. The inclusion of scientific expertise, alongside the art, aims to provide a comprehensive approach to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on the artistic project and the artists' motivations and process. While the environmental issue is central, the narrative prioritizes the artistic expression as the primary means of addressing it. This could unintentionally downplay the urgency of the scientific aspects of the problem.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. Terms like "poetic provocation" might be considered slightly subjective, but they don't appear to be used to manipulate the reader's opinion.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the artists' perspective and their artwork addressing the issue of species extinction and plastic pollution. While it mentions the involvement of a climate scientist, it lacks diverse perspectives from environmental organizations, policymakers, or individuals directly impacted by plastic pollution. This omission limits the scope of understanding regarding the complexities of the problem and potential solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The art installation directly addresses the negative impact of plastic pollution on marine life, highlighting the threat to biodiversity and the consequences of irresponsible consumption and production. The quote "Es spannt einen Bogen über die Art und Weise, wie wir mit Natur umgehen und visualisiert unseren missbräuchlichen Umgang anhand der gefangenen Tierbilder" emphasizes the destructive human impact on ocean ecosystems. The connection to SDG 14 is direct and impactful, showing the consequences of inaction.