Beyong Drifting Gallery

Specimen collected from Glounthaune shoreline, Cove or Cork, Ireland
(Pram wheel)

Specimen collected from Cobh shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(White plastic horse)

Specimen collected from Cohb shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(White plastic horse, 3)

Specimen collected from Carrigaloe estuary, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Plastic flower partially burnt)

Specimen collected from Carrigaloe estuary, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Plastic flowers partially burnt - group)

Specimen collected from Roche's Point, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Six pack plastic yoke)

Specimen collected from Fota Island, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Barbie doll arm)

Specimen collected from Whitepoint, Cobh shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Tricycle wheel)

Specimen collected from Carrigaloe estuary, Cove of Cork, Ireland
(Electric plug and wire)

Specimen collected from Blackrock shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(Shoe sole)

Specimen collected from Cobh shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(Mobile phone casing)

Specimen collected from Cobh shoreline, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(Coathanger)

Specimen collected from Inch Beach, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(Plastic bottle parts)

Specimen collected from Dunkettle Interchange, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(Action man figure, without head)

Specimen collected from Fota Island, Cove fo Cork, Ireland 
(Book with plastic cover 'An Evil Cradling' by Brian Keenan, with fake signature)

Specimen collected from Fota Island, Cove of Cork, Ireland 
(book with plastic cover 'Ireland A Terrible Beauty')

The project is presented as an old science book from 1800's, representing both the current situation concerning marine organism's intake of plastic particles, beads and fibres, alongside early discoveries when plankton were free from plastic.

Inside cover with library label from where John Vaughn Thompson's memoirs were found.

The contents of the book are created to engage the viewer with the past, to imagine a natural world before our reliance on plastic. Original writing, descriptions, and pioneering discoveries made by John Vaughan Thompson run throughout every page of the book.

Introduction page
1827

Replica label of new specimen, with written memoirs of John Vaughan Thompson which run as subtle print on every page throughout the book.

Recovered plastic objects alongside specimen images, with fictitious names that contain plastic.

Leaving the book remembering the common species of plastic.

Shows colour images of area locations where debris was collected to create the specimens.

Slides of micro plastic particles highlight the types of plastic currently ingested by plankton.

An original antique specimen drawer highlights the connection with plastic, showing images of plankton ingesting plastic particles with research book spreads. Microscope slides and test tubes show samples of plastic particles recovered from oceans around the world, with micro beads collected from toothpaste and facial scrubs.

Presented by East Wing Gallery Dubai, as part of 'Anthroposceneries'.