Artist Duke Riley transforms ocean plastic into modern scrimshaw, highlighting industrial pollution in a new exhibit at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Ben Berke reports for The Public's Radio.
In short:
- Duke Riley uses discarded plastic to create contemporary scrimshaw, depicting environmental degradation.
- A new exhibit at the New Bedford Whaling Museum features Riley’s work, including a piece showcasing local pollution history.
- Traditional scrimshaw, historically carved from whalebone, is reimagined through Riley's modern, environmentally conscious art.
Key quote:
“Human beings have always been on this path to extract what we can from the environment around us for financial gain, oftentimes without a mind to the kind of environmental costs that come along with that sort of industry.”
— Naomi Slipp, chief curator, New Bedford Whaling Museum
Why this matters:
Duke Riley's work doesn't just highlight the problem; it encourages us to confront the consequences of our actions. His art serves as a reminder of the fragility of our environment and the ongoing consequences of industrial pollution. Read more: Plastic pollution in the ocean.
