absolute kippleization
Deriving its name from P. K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”, absolute kippleization refers to the stuff that accumulates and takes over our lives. It directly investigates the large quantities of plastic entering our oceans and waterways. A confronting testimony to our consumerist and disposable lifestyles.
Approximately every fortnight for twelve months Rachel Honnery collected, documented, cleaned and categorised hard plastic, including straws, bottles, lids, toys, cigarette lighters and cotton buds, forming over 19 cluster samples. This exhibition includes photographic prints of cluster samples taken at Congwong Beach, La Perouse, more than 200 specimen jars containing sorted plastic found at the Beach, and graphs that abstractly document and analyse volume. absolute kippleization reminds us of the vast and overwhelming challenges that we face in the age of the Anthropocene.
The plastic has been classified by both type and colour, attracting us with its vibrancy, the vivid palette lures and seduces. In the specimen jars, the plastic reminds us of lollies and treats. But once you look closely and are aware that this is plastic collected from a single place, the glitter and glamour of the colour fades. It is here that you become aware of the detrimental problem that our oceans are facing. This is an epidemic that faces every corner of the globe.
absolute kippleization fuses both science and art, in order to give a voice to our marine life. It combines scientific investigation, method and data, with visual analysis and interpretation. The work allows Rachel to think like a scientist through collecting evidence, repeating processes, classifying specimens and inputting data.
Rachel Honnery has just completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of NSW. Her research thesis examined the intersections between the visual arts and science, demonstrating that the methodology of both disciplines provides a powerful and necessary tool to communicate environmental change and answer such questions in the age of Anthropocene. With a specific focus on marine plastic Honnery has been creating artworks that explore the disintegration and transformation of marine environments.
Instagram: @rachelhonnery_artist
Website: http://honnery.com/
Photograph credit: Docqment
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