The exhibition utilises the power of art to create awareness of plastic pollution and the oceans from Times Square New York to The Netherlands for all to see.
Credit: It’s raining plastic now by Craig Keenan and If Not Us, Then Who by Jasmina Zornic
The detrimental effect that plastic pollution is having on our planet are impossible to ignore, Around 85% of plastic waste ends up in landfills and roughly 1 million marine creatures will die in the next ten years as a result of plastic pollution. Then there’s the micro plastics that are literally in everything & everyone; air, water, soil and food, you name it, they are in it - they have found a way to embed themselves in absolutely everything - transcending the visible waste that litters our environment. These tiny micro plastics. while barely visible can spell big trouble for marine life and human health and have recently been discovered in human blood, placentas and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of people’s bodies.
Le Good Society, a UK-based organisation committed to creating positive cultural shifts through the arts and technology has united a group of established & emerging artists for the fifth year to raise awareness around plastic pollution and Plastic Free July – to encourage one and all to reduce their single-use plastic usage.
Titled ‘Let’s Live With Less Plastic’, the exhibition is being showcased in New York’s Times Square and the Netherlands, seen by millions of people throughout July. Artists involved include; David Shillinglaw, Jasmina Zornic, Tia Grazette, Craig Keenan, Carl Cozier, Joain, Viktoriia Romanova, Harry Pack, i, Jboy, Gigi B and actress/stunt performer, Yolanda Lynes, well known for her work in the Marvel movie, Black Widow.
Launched in aid of Plastic Free July, the outdoor art exhibition hopes to create awareness of plastic pollution and the importance of the oceans – inspiring and reminding all who see it to take action, however, they can, to live with less plastic.
‘Having the art in public places for all to see is such a powerful way to transcend barriers, educate and start discussions around the plastic pollution crisis.’ - Tia Grazette,
Craig Keenan’s art juxtapositions a cloud with plastic bottle rain drops falling from it and is aptly titled, ‘It’s f**king raining plastic now’ - perfectly drawing attention to the issues surround micro plastics and the utter disbelief concerning the lack of action around plastic pollution in general. The artist known as i on the other hand takes a closer look at the ownership of the natural world and the role that governments and corporations have played in creating and exacerbating this issue. While Jasmina Zornic’s typographic illustrations demands action and accountability around plastic pollution by using the famous slogans, ‘If not now, when?’ and ‘If not us, then who?’
The event takes art into the public realm for all to see as they as they go about their day - breaking down access to art and the barriers within the art world whilst discussing one of the most important issues facing the planet today. ‘Some incredible artists will appear in major cities for this years art exhibition,’ Grazette explained. ‘Hundreds of thousands of people will encounter the billboards each day to increase awareness of Plastic Free July and plastic pollution in general.’
The exhibition is supported by Ocean Bottle and Tincture, two brands that champion plastic free living. Tincture supplies refillable concentrates that you top up with water, saving huge amount of plastic from landfill each year. Ocean Bottle is turning the tide on ocean-bound plastic. Each Ocean bottle funds the collection of 1000 plastic bottles in weight. Collectors exchange plastic for money and get access to social resources such as healthcare, education and financial security. So far, Ocean Bottle has collected 14,164,500 kilograms of plastic via it’s partners: grassroots organisations in coastal communities such as Indonesia, India and Ghana - the equivalent to 1 billion plastic bottles in weight.
Will Pearson, Co-founder and CEO at Ocean Bottle comments: ‘At Ocean Bottle, we’re big believers that we need to do our part to create a world that empowers people to make positive changes for the planet. Partnering with Le Good Society aligns perfectly with our mission to create sustainable solutions and foster environmental awareness. By uniting artists to highlight the urgency of reducing single-use plastic, we hope to inspire individuals and communities to take action this Plastic Free July and beyond. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and protect our oceans for future generations.’
This years exhibition also includes digital art editions by Jasmina Zornic, Harry Pack, Tia Grazette, i & Byviki featuring work from the exhibition, available to purchase for a limited time via
www.foundation.app/legoodsociety.
See the exhibition across The Netherlands in Amsterdam, Hoofddorph, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven from the 7th-31st July and in New York Times Square from 15th-28th July.
Find out more about the exhibition at www.legoodsociety.com and across social on @legoodsociety
LE GOOD SOCIETY
Le Good Society uses art and technology to spread the word about urgent environmental and social issues. A platform and community that cares for people and the planet, it strives to deepen public understanding and encourage policies for sustainability and consumer ethics. Le Good brings together artists, writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers, researchers and scientists to explore, educate and inspire positive shifts in behavioural culture.
www.legoodsociety.com | @legoodsociety
