Search

Recycled Materials Draw Attention to Ocean Plastics in Ana Brecevic’s Assemblages

16 May, 2025

This post was originally published on Colossal

As the climate crisis worsens around the globe, its effects are no more apparent than in our oceans and the communities that rely on them. Delicate coral reefs, for example, face stresses from not only rising sea temperatures but the residue of human presence—plastics, castoff fishing equipment, and other waste.

Warm water is typically the culprit in coral bleaching events, characterized by algae leaving the organisms and turning them a ghostly white. The algae provides a food source and helps to protect the coral from disease, but when it goes, the host is left much more vulnerable. For Ana Brecevic (previously), this phenomenon inspires work that draws attention to this urgent issue.

cut white material, draping off the edge of a wooden table, in the shape of coral

Her recent series, Plasticum, reflects on the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution in the earth’s oceans while contrasting the beauty of marine ecosystems with their vulnerability to human impact. The artist meticulously cuts silhouettes of bleached corals and gorgonians—also known as sea fans—and ornaments them with baubles reminiscent of debris.

“I live along the Atlantic coast, where I collect marine waste that inspires and feeds into this body of work,” Brecevic says. “Everything is made from recycled paper, upcycled fabrics, and natural dyes.”

The artist describes Plasticum as “a quiet echo of a reality slowly settling in,” where microplastics and waste continually threaten underwater habitats and biodiversity. She says, “Through this work, I hope to spark questions about our connection to living ecosystems and what we choose to see—or overlook.”

Find more on Brecevic’s website and Instagram.

a framed artwork made of cut material in the shape of coral
Photo by Marion Saupin
a framed artwork made of cut material in the shape of coral
a detail of a framed artwork made of cut material in the shape of coral
a framed artwork made of cut material in the shape of coral
a detail of a framed artwork made of cut material in the shape of coral
Photo by Marion Saupin
a detail of an artist's hands working on cut material in the shape of coral
Photo by Marion Saupin
a detail of an abstract, dark blue, textured sculpture

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Recycled Materials Draw Attention to Ocean Plastics in Ana Brecevic’s Assemblages appeared first on Colossal.

Pass over the stars to rate this post. Your opinion is always welcome.
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

You may also like…

2025 Global Energy Investment to Reach Record $3.3 Trillion, Driven by ‘Clean Technologies’: IEA Report

2025 Global Energy Investment to Reach Record $3.3 Trillion, Driven by ‘Clean Technologies’: IEA Report

An increase in spending on clean energy is expected to drive record global energy investment of 3.3 trillion in 2025, with 2.2 trillion of that in “clean-energy technologies,” according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the World Energy Investment 2025 report shows China leads the […]
The post 2025 Global Energy Investment to Reach Record $3.3 Trillion, Driven by ‘Clean Technologies’: IEA Report appeared first on EcoWatch.

Study Links Air Pollution and Pregnancy Risks at the Molecular Level

Study Links Air Pollution and Pregnancy Risks at the Molecular Level

In a new study, scientists have found a link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air pollution and increased risk of various negative pregnancy outcomes from the molecular level. While other studies have linked air pollution exposure to certain pregnancy risks, this study is the first to define how these risks can increase […]
The post Study Links Air Pollution and Pregnancy Risks at the Molecular Level appeared first on EcoWatch.

Wildlife Advocates Condemn Proposed ‘Barbaric’ Florida Black Bear Hunt

Wildlife Advocates Condemn Proposed ‘Barbaric’ Florida Black Bear Hunt

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials are moving forward with plans for a black bear hunt in the state in December. The proposed 23-day hunt could result in the slaughter of nearly 200 bears — almost five percent of the state’s estimated total. Opponents are calling it a bloodlust-driven trophy hunt with no […]
The post Wildlife Advocates Condemn Proposed ‘Barbaric’ Florida Black Bear Hunt appeared first on EcoWatch.

0 Comments