Proboscis Paradise
Plastic bags, steel, thread
Dimension Variable
2021

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Proboscis Paradise delves into the intricate and multi-dimensional relationship between humans, plastics, and the ecosystem.
 

Composed of repurposed single-use plastic bags, a material that extends beyond physical properties, Proboscis Paradise intersects with biological, political, and social systems, producing far-reaching consequences beyond the material itself.
 

Installed both indoors and out, Proboscis Paradise creates a vibrant field of large-scale flowers inspired by the aster plant, a vital component in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. The artwork's title and scale reinforce the association between humans and pollinators, inviting viewers to contemplate their interconnectivity.

Plastics and chemicals, products of chemical companies, were initially born out of the need to survive, particularly during wars. However, their long-term effects have been disastrous. The extensive use of plastics in food packaging and other products creates a deceptive sense of convenience and security.
 

By visually linking the aster flower and plastic bags, Proboscis Paradise emphasizes the fatal connection between the mass production of plastics, related chemicals, and pollinators, ultimately affecting human health. The artwork challenges the false dichotomy between natural and synthetic by creating organic forms from synthetic materials informed by studying the origins and processes behind plastics.
 

Proboscis Paradise's interactivity and playfulness stimulate the interconnectedness between pollinators and humans by visually merging seemingly different systems and processes.

The artwork was developed and installed in partnership with the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Massachusetts.

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