Ocean waste sculpture highlights 'plastic crisis'

A striking new sculpture made entirely from recycled ocean plastic is now on display in London, aiming to draw attention to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our seas. The piece, called 'All Of Me,' was created by Slovakian-Bulgarian artist Daniela Raytchev and is inspired by the Barbie doll of Dame Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and environmentalist. The sculpture is being exhibited on the tall ship Oosterschelde at Tower Bridge Quay as part of the Darwin200 expedition, a two-year journey dedicated to conservation and inspired by Charles Darwin's historic voyage on the HMS Beagle. The plastic used for the sculpture was collected by the Darwin200 team from the coastlines of Brazil and Uruguay, highlighting the global nature of the plastic crisis. The Barbie doll that inspired the artwork was released by Mattel in 2022 as part of their Inspiring Women collection, celebrating Dame Jane's achievements in science and conservation. Dame Jane Goodall herself praised the sculpture, saying it shines a light on the urgent issue of plastic pollution and the need for people to work together for a better future. Daniela Raytchev, the artist, explained that she wanted to show how working in harmony with nature can transform waste into a message of hope. The event also included a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh, who recognized the Darwin200 team's efforts in promoting environmental conservation. Proceeds from the sale of the sculpture will support both the Darwin200 project and Dame Jane's Roots and Shoots educational program, which encourages young people to get involved in environmental protection. The scale of the plastic problem is staggering. According to Darwin200, more than 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, which is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the sea every single minute. The United Nations has warned that if current trends continue, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight by the year 2050. The public is invited to visit the Oosterschelde to view the sculpture and learn more about the issue. There will also be a panel discussion on creativity, scientific innovation, and environmentalism, aiming to inspire visitors to think about how they can make a difference. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of human activity on the planet and the importance of finding creative solutions to environmental challenges. Dame Jane Goodall is widely respected for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and her lifelong commitment to conservation. By using her image as the inspiration for the sculpture, the artist hopes to encourage more people to take action against plastic pollution. The event in London is not just about art, but about sparking conversations and motivating people to protect the oceans for future generations. The message is clear: everyone has a role to play in tackling the plastic crisis, and even small actions can add up to make a big difference. Through this unique combination of art, science, and activism, the exhibition hopes to inspire hope and change in the fight against ocean plastic.