Made Out of WHAT brought together artists, scientists, environmental leaders and activists from around the world in order to participate in an unprecedented series of events to celebrate the launch of the book The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic?, the 464-page manual on creative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in our waters (published by the Institute for Art and Innovation, Berlin)
Though on opposite sides of the globe, our missions are perfectly aligned. We are founded on the belief that art has the ability to carry messages that trigger action and innovative entrepreneurship and we support the development of all creative solutions to the immense problems of plastic pollution in our planet’s seas, oceans and rivers.
Exhibition Opening & Book Launch Party:
August 8, 2019
The Universal Sea exhibition and book launch kicked off with an opening party in the picturesque Chinatown Central Plaza of Los Angeles. The celebration presented installations by international artists whose works have transformed consumer waste into powerful visual manifestos. Among these are Claudia Borgna’s ironically ethereal installation of plastic bags; Marcus Eriksen’s wall map, composed of colorful tiles of plastic debris that have been melted down and placed in the corresponding continents where they were collected; a glowing life-size animal made of plastic by Cynthia Minet; a statement by Antoaneta Tica in the form of a colorful dress of PET bottles; a virtual reality trash experience by film students from the Konrad Wolf Film University in Babelsberg, Germany; and more.
A variety of ingenious and unique creations were available for purchase that were made out of consumer detritus, including, for example, stylish bags made by Middle Eastern refugees on Lesvos from their abandoned life jackets.
Summer Nights:
August 10, 2019
Chinatown Summer Nights brought a festive crowd to the Plaza to enjoy a night of great music DJ’d by KCRW, along with a variety of vendors. The exhibition was be open and free to the public with a no-cost bar and opportunities to purchase unique items from around the globe curated by MOoW.
Symposium: August 12, 2019
At Universal Sea, we bring together all generations to discuss innovative solutions as a unified force. A full spectrum of outstanding thought leaders, Captain Charles Moore, Anna Cummins, Dianna Cohen, Nicole Loeser and youth activist Kevin Patel, addressed the latest facts and solutions to the trash crisis at the event symposium.
Our distinguished panel was moderated by UCLA’s Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, Bonny Bentzin. We believe an initiative alone has power, collectively we have impact!
Moderator:
Bonny Bentzin, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer at UCLA, an expert in developing and executing sustainable programs in the field of higher education and large complex organizations, as well as in planning and hosting national conferences.
Distinguished Speakers:
Charles Moore, sea captain and oceanographer, discoverer of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 1997; founder of Algalita Marine Research and Education in Long Beach, California.
Nicole Loeser, Artistic Director, Institute for Art and Innovation, Berlin; Editor-in-chief of the book, The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic!?
Anna Cummins, co-founder with Marcus Ericksen of the 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, which focuses on science, research, education and adventure.
Dianna Cohen, artist and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition, Los Angeles, a global alliance of 750 organizations from 60 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution.
Angelica Böhm, Professor at Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg, Germany, teaches the course: “Transmedia Storytelling: Camilla Plastic Ocean Plan.”
Stefan Winter, Ph.D., (Philosophy), Head of the Institute for Artistic Research at Konrad Wolf Film University, Babelsberg, Germany; member of the Management Committee of the European Forum for Advanced Practices (COST / EU).
Kevin Patel, environmental activist and recent high school graduate from South Central L.A.; chapter coordinator for Ignition Green; organizer of the Youth Climate Strike; and a prominent player in many other environmental youth groups.
Closing Party August 17, 2019
The exciting closing event brought together international artists and environmental thought leaders to showcase their innovative solutions to the immense problems of plastic pollution in our planet’s seas, oceans and rivers through art, wearables, videos and so much more!
The Universal Sea exhibition included installations by artists who transform consumer waste into powerful visual manifestos, musical instruments, VR experience, book launch for The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic?, and other inspiring ideas.
Banner Image: Artist: Claudia Borgna