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Microplastics Aesthetics: A phenomenological approach to the (in)visibility of plastic waste

Ogutveren, Neylan LU (2024) KOVM12 20241
Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Abstract
This thesis explores the aesthetics of microplastics in climate art – art specifically produced to point up issues related to climate change or perceived as addressing these issues – and reflects on the perceptual challenge posed by the often invisible presence of microplastics despite their profound environmental impacts. The study focuses on how two artworks, Pyroplastics and Plastic Air render microplastics both visible and comprehensible, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific information and public engagement. This dissertation introduces the idea of the microplastic gaze, an analytical framework that examines how microplastics interact with their environments through artistic representations. The approach transcends visual... (More)
This thesis explores the aesthetics of microplastics in climate art – art specifically produced to point up issues related to climate change or perceived as addressing these issues – and reflects on the perceptual challenge posed by the often invisible presence of microplastics despite their profound environmental impacts. The study focuses on how two artworks, Pyroplastics and Plastic Air render microplastics both visible and comprehensible, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific information and public engagement. This dissertation introduces the idea of the microplastic gaze, an analytical framework that examines how microplastics interact with their environments through artistic representations. The approach transcends visual analysis, engaging the senses and intellect to illuminate the usually unseen prevalence of microplastics. Employing a phenomenological understanding grounded in vital materialist and object-oriented aesthetics, this study integrates sensory experiences with theoretical insights. The study divulges that Plastic Air and Pyroplastics not only make the invisible microplastics visible and tangible but also profoundly alter perception through the microplastic gaze. This interpretative framework demonstrates that by using this lens it becomes possible to grasp the interconnectedness of all entities, human, nonhuman and objects, as active contributors within the mentioned artworks. The findings suggest that integrating artistic expression with scientific research and a broadened perceptual stance provides a powerful tool for communicating multifaceted environmental issues. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Ogutveren, Neylan LU
supervisor
organization
course
KOVM12 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Microplastics, Climate art, Microplastics aesthetics, Microplastic gaze, Visual culture
language
English
id
9174784
date added to LUP
2024-09-24 11:47:27
date last changed
2024-09-24 11:47:27
@misc{9174784,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the aesthetics of microplastics in climate art – art specifically produced to point up issues related to climate change or perceived as addressing these issues – and reflects on the perceptual challenge posed by the often invisible presence of microplastics despite their profound environmental impacts. The study focuses on how two artworks, Pyroplastics and Plastic Air render microplastics both visible and comprehensible, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific information and public engagement. This dissertation introduces the idea of the microplastic gaze, an analytical framework that examines how microplastics interact with their environments through artistic representations. The approach transcends visual analysis, engaging the senses and intellect to illuminate the usually unseen prevalence of microplastics. Employing a phenomenological understanding grounded in vital materialist and object-oriented aesthetics, this study integrates sensory experiences with theoretical insights. The study divulges that Plastic Air and Pyroplastics not only make the invisible microplastics visible and tangible but also profoundly alter perception through the microplastic gaze. This interpretative framework demonstrates that by using this lens it becomes possible to grasp the interconnectedness of all entities, human, nonhuman and objects, as active contributors within the mentioned artworks. The findings suggest that integrating artistic expression with scientific research and a broadened perceptual stance provides a powerful tool for communicating multifaceted environmental issues.}},
  author       = {{Ogutveren, Neylan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Microplastics Aesthetics: A phenomenological approach to the (in)visibility of plastic waste}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}