Story Behind This Mural
Artist Statement
People make plastic, plastic eaten by the fish, fish consumed by people. Waste has been a problem since the old times when leaves were used for packaging food, or when food was wasted to become fertilizer. However, today the majority of packaging is made from toxic plastic. This combined with the greedy businessman taking advantage of the low cost of plastic products without a care about the effect of their practices.
Through my artwork, I wanted to represent Nyepi Segara as a reflection of "Nyepi Plastic" (silent plastic) waste in the sea. Nyepi Segara is a series of Ngusaba Ceremonies to give thanks for the abundant sea products. It is a Nyepi ceremony (silent day) when there should not be any activity in Segara (sea). - From catching fish to inter-island sea transportation using the sea, all ocean-related activities are prohibited on Nusa Penida during Nyepi Segara. This ceremony is observed annually for 24 hours. So during those 24 hours, the sea and its creatures remain untouched by fisher(wo)men, divers, and the noise of boat engines. On this day, we have an opportunity to reflect on our actions and the impact of plastics while sitting on the beach. I like to call this condition "Nyepi Plastic".
The Focus
Plastic pollutionTake Action
Reduce your own plastic footprint by
- Using a reusable water bottle and avoiding drinks bottled in plastic
- Bringing your own bag, cup, utensils, straw, etc.
- Shopping in bulk, reducing packaging waste
- Choosing reusable and compostable goods over less sustainable materials