Federico Uribe: "Plastic Reef" at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
“Plastic Reef” At Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
January 9 - June 9, 2024
More than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year and because of plastic’s durability, it persists in the environment for centuries. Currently there is more plastic at the centers of our oceans than plankton. In short, our plastic waste is endangering our oceans, as well as the world’s coral reefs.
The Plastic Reef installation by Miami-based artist, Federico Uribe, reproduces marine ecosystems constructed with recycled plastic. Daily plastic objects including bottles, bottle caps, plastic cutlery, flip flops, among others, are weaved in curious and unpredictable ways. The artwork invites the viewer to reflect on the indiscriminate use of plastic and the disastrous impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems worldwide. From a distance, the assemblage appears to be a colorful and beautiful underwater world. Up close, one can see the hundreds of pieces of plastic, which are carefully cut and arranged. The result is whimsical yet contains enormous efficacy and communicability. The idea is to reflect on Nature's pivotal presence, and in the process to give back to Nature what was taken from her: marine species and corals, which are endangered by the excessive consumption of plastic.
The Plastic Reef is sponsored by The Perry J. Cohen. We are thankful for their continued support!
Federico Uribe is represented by Adelson Galleries (New York | Palm Beach).
Visit the installation at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
www.marinelife.org