PELAGIC

The Pelagic Zone encompasses the majority of the water column from the open ocean to the coral reef, and all species inhabiting it. This research based site-responsive collaboration between

contemporary jeweller Liv Boyle, marine biologist Dr Jennifer Lavers, and sound artist Sara Retallick, explores the environmental impact of plastic waste converging in our oceans. 

In 2017 Lavers led a ground-breaking Research Expedition to Henderson Island of the Pitcairn Group, exposing “exceptional and rapid accumulation of anthropogenic debris on one of the world’s most remote and pristine islands” (Lavers, 2017).

A World Heritage site noted for its isolation and biodiversity, Lavers’ discovery broke global headlines; 38 million pieces of plastic waste choked Henderson’s East Beach. Arguably one of Earth’s last vestiges of paradise, this uninhabited coral atoll provides a safe haven for migratory species like the Masked Booby, the Red Tailed Tropic Bird and Murphy’s Petrels.

Situated in the heart of the South Pacific Gyre, it also contains the highest density of plastic pollution on record. 

Influenced by expert observations and quantitative data, the artists present new works utilising material collected by Laver’s during the second research expedition conducted in June 2019.

This unique collaboration sees the coming together of disciplines: object, jewellery, sound and science, discussing site-specific ecologies under extreme pressure.

We Seed, hung at ear height, falling to the ground under foot; a wearer’s reminder to listen.These 2 meter long earrings represent the 2 kilometre stretch of Henderson Island’s East Beach, inundated with plastic debris.

Commingled with coral to form a new sand, nurdles - virgin granules used to create all plastic products - are now ubiquitous on coasts wherever currents converge.

Dr Jennifer Lavers is a Research Scientist at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Launceston, Tasmania.  She is a marine biologist with expertise in tropical and temperate seabird ecology and marine pollution, including plastic debris. She and her graduate students regularly collaborate on art-science projects with an aim to translate scientific data or samples into outputs that engage the community. Dr Lavers has also been featured in recent documentaries, including Plastic Oceans and BLUE, as well as an upcoming BBC episode (October 2018). In 2017, her research on Henderson Island made global headlines after shining a spotlight on huge quantities of plastic debris accumulating on remote, uninhabited islands.

Sarah Retallick is an artist based in Melbourne (Naarm), Victoria. Her practice explores listening and human perception of sound and time in different listening situations. Integrating sound, video and installation, her practice utilises fieldwork, collaboration and expanded listening to explore cultural and historical contexts of place.