The initial brief for the PHYT project was presented by the Embassy of Sweden. As this was a group task we then refined the brief to summarise our initial exploration to 'look at our ocean on a microscopic level.' The problem we chose to tackle as the micro plastics are in our ocean, further expanding on how this affects the oceans plankton and other micro-organisms?
The aim of the project involved starting a productive conversation about our ocean’s micro-organisms and their PHYT against microplastics. Moreover, raise awareness and discover the first-level super-producers and consumers of the ocean’s food chain, phytoplankton and other plankton communities. Through shining the lens on life below water and making the unseen seen the project began to evolve.
Statisically it is important to understand that, alongside other marine plant life, phytoplankton produce an estimated 80% of the oxygen we breathe. Phytoplankton absorb 4x more carbon dioxide than the amazon rainforest. Phytoplankton are significantly affected by global warming, water pollution and climate change. Through these facts we established the main concept that 'Phytoplankton = The Producer.'
The final outcome of the project was divided into two sections which complement each-other and were presented at the Embassy of Sweden's exhibition in 2022. Part one was the projection (linked below), aimed at creating an immersive sensorial experience that artistically captures the essence of the Phyt Campaign: shining a light on the unseen world of plankton in our ocean. focuses on creating a conversation through educational awareness. The projection and visual aesthetics seek to engage the audience by bringing the microscopic world of plankton to a macro scale, highlighting the beauty and diversity of a world of organisms that are often unseen. Part two of the project involved the campaign which focuses on creating a conversation through educational awareness.
Below is the final artists statement from the project.
Submerge Yourself In Phyt!
As part of the Embassy of Swedens Exhibition Beyond Borders: People, Plastics, Pollution we have engaged with life below water and taken a deep dive into the world of phytoplankton and microplastics. As ANU students completing a Bachelor of Design it was our aim to combine the beauty of art and design together to create a stunning projection with a campaign that raises awareness about phytoplankton and microplastics in our oceans.
Phytoplankton contribute an estimated 80% of the worlds oxygen through the process of photosynthesis and are crucial for life below and above water. Phyt! Encourages an immersive sensory experience for people to engage with these small but mighty producers. Join the phyt! Encourages the audience to recognise that microplastics exist in the same space at these organic and mesmerising phytoplankton. While microplastics are polluting the oceans, phytoplankton help the oceans thrive.
The projection uses illustrated phyts that float throughout the room. The animation was designed through the use of ado- be after effects, inspired by the movements of a kaleidoscope. The ocean soundscape takes you on a journey underwater as we endeavour to make the micro macro. The posters and imagery in the space were developed in adobe illustrator. Our overall aim is to raise awareness through educational visual imagery.
We invite you to move throughout the space and fully immerse yourself in the mesmerising microscopic world of phyto- plankton. Consider the beauty of these microorganisms and respond with our wire activity. Furthermore, once leaving the space engage with joining the phyt! And together we can continue learning about these small by mighty producers, em- barking on a journey to rid our oceans of microplastics.
