Synthetic Shroud: Kelp Encased in Fossil-Fuel Plastic Becomes a Stark Ecological Sculpture in Busan

5 hours ago7 min read1 comments

A striking new installation on the coast of Busan, South Korea, presents a powerful visual paradox. The sculpture, 'Polymeter' by the collective Plastique Fantastique, encases a core of living kelp—a vital marine resource—within a large, translucent balloon made from fossil-fuel-derived polymer.This intentional clash of materials serves as a direct commentary on humanity's environmental impact, pitting a fast-growing, cyclical natural element against a symbol of permanent, polluting industrial waste. The work is designed as an evolving ecological experiment.Viewers are invited to observe the slow decomposition of the kelp within its synthetic prison, a process that will alter the balloon's internal atmosphere while external forces like salt and sun weather the plastic shell. This dynamic mirrors the larger crisis in our oceans, where resilient ecosystems are besieged by persistent plastics, from massive garbage patches to pervasive microplastics.Moving beyond traditional land art, 'Polymeter' embraces fragility and transience to pose urgent questions. It challenges notions of legacy, asking whether the plastic will ultimately outlive its artistic purpose to become mere pollution, or if its degradation is an integral part of the statement. By placing this tension at the water's edge, the sculpture forces a direct confrontation with our own role in a system that prioritizes material permanence over planetary health, acting as a silent, compelling argument for a more sustainable and cyclical relationship with the natural world.

#sculpture

#kelp

#biodegradable materials

#art installation

#marine biology

#featured

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