A new art installation at Science Gallery London explores the history and ongoing pollution of the Thames due to human waste. Artist Gayle Chong Kwan’s immersive work highlights centuries of sewage issues and modern waste treatment, while another installation addresses re-usage of waste. The exhibit encourages reflection on environmental impact and the interconnectedness of human actions and the ecosystem.
Sewage pollution in the Thames has plagued London for centuries, prompting a new art installation at Science Gallery London. Artist Gayle Chong Kwan’s work, “I am the Thames and the Thames is me,” immerses visitors in the historical and ongoing issues of human waste in the river, featuring life-sized “river guardians” and a fabric representation of the Thames. Following the 1858 Great Stink, testimonies reveal that modern concerns echo those from the past, highlighting the long-standing sewage challenges. To investigate this relationship, Chong Kwan collaborated with King’s College London and explored modern waste treatment methods at Beckton sewage facilities, where innovative evaporation techniques are employed. The installation incorporates historical uses of fabric, linking to the past and showcasing tie-dye patterns derived from materials found near the Thames, further enriched by indigo dye associated with London’s sewer system creator, Joseph Bazalgette. Another installation, “Sh*t Happens!” by Louise Mackenzie, addresses human waste as an environmental issue, encouraging composting and re-usage of bodily waste. This interactive component includes audio interviews and a zine displayed in the gallery’s restroom facilities, promoting awareness through accessible formats. Vital Signs exhibit encompasses various works reminding us of our environmental impact, choosing to focus on everyday topics rather than solely high-level climate discussions.
The Thames has faced substantial pollution from human waste, especially notable during historical incidents like the 1858 Great Stink. The ongoing issues of sewage in the river have inspired new artistic expressions aimed at raising awareness about environmental concerns and human impact. The Science Gallery’s Vital Signs exhibit encapsulates multiple perspectives on waste management and environmental relationships, including art, interviews, and interactive installations, highlighting a diverse exploration of the topic.
The exhibit, featuring installations like “I am the Thames and the Thames is me” and “Sh*t Happens!”, serves as a reminder of the historical connection between humans and the environment. It encourages visitors to reflect on the implications of their actions and the potential for change, encapsulated in the hopeful message of the exhibit’s subtitle. Ultimately, it positions human experiences as both challenges and solutions in the fight for a healthier planet.
Original Source: www.forbes.com