The Reflection in the Mirror
Columbus, OH
2021, Senior, Interactive & Multimedia
Project Description: The explosion box lifts open to reveal three layers. In the center is the seemingly green and blue planet Earth surrounded by what looks like beauty and life at the surface. But, by taking a closer look, pieces of paper that the viewer can slide out of the four pockets reveal some of the issues facing the planet. The second layer includes numerous types of cards the viewer can open to learn more about the effects of climate change on water and how we can fight for climate justice. The third layer is a mirror that is a metaphor for water. It reflects both the good and bad things that occur on Earth, and shows that the action we take now can change the future and lead to a healthier and longer lasting Earth.
The first section of my film is a poem that utilizes the idea of a mirror as a metaphor for water. It is a call to action, warning people to think about their actions and know the effect that it has on the environment.
The Reflection in the Mirror
Water.
More than 7.5 billion people depend on it.
Over 1 billion people don’t have access to it.
Look in the mirror.
Though there may be beauty, happiness, love and life at the surface,
digging deeper will reveal a growing crisis.
Do you see the warming temperatures and increasing acidity
that are changing food patterns for life on Earth?
Do you see the altered major ocean currents,
changing weather patterns around the world?
Notice the higher ocean surface temperatures
that make rainfall less predictable,
causing more ice sheets and glaciers to melt,
adding to rising sea levels in oceans.
And realize that communities of color and marginalized groups
disproportionately feel the effects of pollution and other environmental impacts.
The mirror is revealing truths
that must be accepted in order to progress and make change.
It is possible to fight for justice.
So let’s change the reflection in the mirror.
Works Cited
Moses, Elizabeth. “Polluted Air and Water Is a Racial Justice Issue. Let’s Fight It
ThatWay.: .” TheCityFix, 2 Nov. 2020,
thecityfix.com/blog/polluted-air-and-water-is-a-racial-justice-issue-lets-fight-it-that-way/.
Reflection
Reflection
Water reflects our actions, because the better we care for the environment, the more prosperous the world will be. I used the idea of a mirror in my explosion box to reflect how there is beauty and happiness at the surface, but also many issues that can be seen by digging a little deeper. The mirror is surrounding all of the information in the cards and artwork to signify how we need to change the reflection in the mirror and make a change. Throughout the process of making my piece, I learned that environmental injustice is a huge problem. I felt very empowered to use my creativity in a positive way to help overcome these injustices. Water truly is a mirror that portrays all that occurs on this planet. Let’s protect our oceans, fight for justice, and contribute to making a healthier planet.