Plastic Long Live
Shenzhen, China
2025, Senior, Interactive & Multimedia
Project Description: This project centers around the creation and exhibition of original poetry focused on the theme of plastic—its presence in our lives, the environmental crisis it brings, and the efforts toward its management. All the poems are self-written and presented as a form of artistic expression to engage viewers with the issue of plastic pollution. A selection of these original poems was printed and displayed on large exhibition panels, forming the core visual presentation. To enrich the aesthetic and cultural layers of the exhibit, another portion of the poetry—along with thematic prompts and guiding phrases—was handwritten using traditional Chinese brush calligraphy and hung beside the panels. This combination of printed and handwritten works created a dynamic visual experience that connects modern environmental concerns with classical artistic traditions. Before the exhibition, we conducted an online survey that gathered responses from over 150 participants to understand public familiarity and perception of plastic-related issues. This background research informed the creative direction and helped shape the narrative of the exhibition. During the event, we also invited visitors to take part in interviews and surveys to further engage them in dialogue. At the end of the exhibition, an interactive section allowed the audience to leave their own reflections or contribute poetry on the topic of plastic, making them part of the creative process and encouraging broader participation in environmental action.
Reflection
This work originated from a previous project I participated in about plastic pollution. I attempted to create new sustainable plastic materials to alleviate the crisis and expand environmental impact. My interest in environmental science and the hope of promoting harmony between humans and nature motivated me to keep innovating and expressing unique ideas. This made the work meaningful, while the engaging form aimed to reach a broader audience. Being creative brings me both satisfaction and excitement — the joy of producing something new, and the thrill of applying ideas to global challenges. Through the theme "Connecting with Nature: Looking Inward, Moving Outward," I realized that real change begins by understanding the internal logic of the world, then sharing that understanding outward to drive impact. Before this project, I hadn’t imagined that poetry and plastic could connect meaningfully. But during the process, I found that the public response was strong. For example, our interactive space — where participants responded to the poems — was quickly filled with emotional and thoughtful messages. This showed me the power of art to spark empathy and engagement beyond data. With this work, I hope to spark emotional resonance about plastic’s presence in life. Poetry becomes a voice in the environmental conversation, turning waste into meaning, and showing that sustainability also needs empathy and imagination.