Reflection

Reflection

Growing up near the coast, I developed a deep appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and vitality. Witnessing the damage we’ve done to the ocean is painful. In this piece, the turtle, trapped in plastic and surrounded by debris, symbolizes the vulnerability of nature. The diver’s effort to help is small against the scale of the problem, reflecting the limits of individual action. This work is a response to my own sense of helplessness, and a call for collective awareness and responsibility. The idea for this piece was inspired by the realization that individual actions, while well-intentioned, often feel too small to make a real difference. I wanted to show this through the lone diver, doing what they can in a sea filled with plastic, while the turtle remains trapped. It reflects how frustrating it can feel to care deeply about the environment and still see things getting worse. I chose to use acrylic paint because it allows me to layer rich colors and textures, especially on the turtle and in the water. Painting allows me to express emotions I can’t always put into words, and to connect more deeply with the issues I care about. This contest theme made me reflect on how disconnected many of us are from nature, even though we depend on it. Through this piece, I hope viewers not only feel the weight of the problem, but also question their role in it.