Jaded Water
Vienna, Virginia
2016, Senior, Art
Reflection
Reflection
My artwork represents the impact of chemical run off pollution on the oceans. One of the most common forms of ocean pollution is through chemical runoff. When most people spray pesticides or fertilizers, they only worry about how their plants will appear in a few days, forgetting to consider the impacts that these chemicals will have on one of the earth’s greatest treasures. I tried to demonstrate how the run off chemicals have a direct impact on the fish by painting parts of their bodies with colorful mosaics from interacting with the chemicals in the ocean. The drain at the top of the painting is releasing a stream of harmful chemicals that traveled through runoff. The pots in the middle of the painting symbolize the earth and the harmful actions humans perform, such as using fertilizer for flowers and vegetables and releasing chemicals from factories or farms. Through these actions, the chemicals run off into the ocean, causing green algae and creating a toxic environment for the plants and animals. I used poster color paint to illustrate the impact of these chemicals, contrasting with the softer watercolor paint. For me, the ocean represents a mysterious and awe-inspiring place teeming with wildlife that we have yet to discover. We cannot let our careless actions harm the unopened treasure that the oceans hold. As long as we are mindful of our daily actions, we can help preserve the remarkable beauty of our oceans.