On display: Our area’s problem with plastic
The devastating effects that plastic pollution is having on our coastlines is explored in a Scarborough Art Gallery exhibition.
For ScarboroART, four artists have been commissioned to create original artworks which are made from and inspired by plastic waste objects that have been found on Scarborough’s seafront.
The gallery received £2,500 from Scarborough supermarket company Proudfoot which was cash from the sale of carrier bags.
Julie Baxter, venues and volunteer manager, said they wanted a theme which reflected where the money came from.
Scarborough-based artists Kane Cunningham, Rachel Messenger, Justin DL and Janet White have created new pieces based on artworks from the gallery’s permanent collection depicting a seascape or coastal scene.
Looking at these through a contemporary eye and in the context of this growing environmental concern, their responses offer a creative view into plastic pollution on a local and global scale.
“As a society we’re becoming increasingly aware of the damage that plastics cause to the environment,” said Julie.
“Taking a stroll down Scarborough’s coastline confirms the impact it is having on our surroundings, with the plastic objects that you find washed-up or strewn on our shores.
“With this exhibition we’ve had an opportunity to do something creative and practical to address this; firstly with a beach clean and then to put the discarded plastic objects to use in the creation of striking and original art.”
“By responding to Seascapes in Scarborough Art Gallery’s permanent collection, the four artists we’ve commissioned are each inspired by their own thoughts and concerns about the impact of plastics on our coastal environments.
“Through these diverse artworks we hope to challenge visitors to think about their own use – and in highlighting the problem of waste objects that have been found on our beaches, ensure the care of our beautiful Scarborough coastline.”
Alongside ScarboroArt exhibition, Scarborough Art Gallery is hosting a series of beach cleans with organised groups in the area. The found material will be used by the artists in educational workshops during the exhibition.
ScarboroART runs at Scarborough Art Gallery, The Crescent, until January 6. The gallery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Annual passes cost £3 which includes entry to the nearby Rotunda museum.