With the recent on-going threats of global warming, sea level rise, red tide, and pollution at an all-time high, Citarum, named after one of the most polluted rivers in the world, brings awareness to such issues and calls for much-needed change. My motivation for this project is simple — we only have one Earth, we should be protecting it, rather than destroying it. 

By projecting images of landscapes that have been permanently altered by pollution onto students part of the Green Ambassadors environmentalist club at RCAD, I hope to make a permanent and lasting effect on the viewer. The photos that I project on the models are public domain photographs from various locations where pollution is prominent, such as landfills, the beach, places around Sarasota, as well as subject matters including, plastic bags, trash, and anything else that is polluting our environment. In the photos where pollution is excessive, the patterns and shapes will make the sitter blend into the background. That is because the various shapes and colors in the photographs become the focal point. To me, that shows how those who are actively working to better the environment are constantly being set back by those who hurt it.

Pollution is everywhere. It’s in the air, it’s in our oceans, it’s in our food. It shouldn’t be. We shouldn’t have to be wary of the food we consume, however, micro-plastics and pollutants make that goal next to impossible. It should be possible, but change needs to happen before we cause irreparable damage.

Art has the power to influence its viewers for the better. The purpose of my project, Citarum, is to influence my audience to make conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. We have the opportunity to change the world for the better, so why not start now. I encourage you to do your part, do anything in your power to affect our environment for the better.