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ARTWORK DETAILS

Name: Tymaniah Newman	School:
Title: Plastic Ecosystems	Medium: Installation
Description: Installation of sculptures accompanied by framed photograph.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The purpose of this piece was to demonstrate the effect human pollution, in particular plastics, is having on the diversity and ecosystems that defines Far North Queensland. By utilising one of the materials that is contributing to the demise of our coral reefs, the contrast is created between an object and its destructor by assimilating the two into one. Our cultural identity is dependent on the ocean and yet the lack of attention to sustainable practices regarding rubbish on these islands and on the mainland is taking away this livelihood. Through the firsthand experience of many Islanders, this issue is destroying our way of life.

ARTWORK PROCESS

All materials that are used in this art piece are all collected and upcycled. The base of the plastic ecosystem are yoghurt lids that had been collected but had no use due to not having a recycling system in my home community. The body of the reef on the plastic lids are collected disposable lighters which were glued in various ways onto a plastic lid. The lids were spray painted prior to the crushed lighters being glued individually on the lid. The irony that was intended through my art piece encouraged me to display it on the beach.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tymaniah Newman

I'm a small town girl from Bamaga situated on the very tip of Cape York Peninsular far north Queensland. I proudly represent the Zenadth Kes people as a descendent from the islands of Badu, Mer, and Saibai.The Toress strait cultures and traditions of the Torres Strait people are fundamental to my art practice and thought process. Having spent most of my time in the community and leaning cultural practise from a young feminist role that a women must embodied, I feel the responsibility and ergo to communicate barriers and twist stereotypes through the representation of my art practice.