Star; Plankton; Virus (2021)

For this installation, Imhathai Suwatthanaslip has made small objects from human hair, fish scales and moth wings, representing plankton, stars, and viruses. Crucial for all life on Earth, these microscopic and distant yet ever-present life forms provide a different perspective from which to consider the time that humans have spent on Earth, giving material form to things we would usually have difficulty seeing. While our relationship with them has been radically altered by human activity, plankton, stars, and viruses all existed long before us, and there is a strong chance they will outlive us too. As such, for the artist they provide a way of thinking beyond our needs as individuals in the here and now.

These living organisms sit in stark contrast to microplastics in the ocean for which we still haven’t conceived of a complete disposal method. Like plankton scattered throughout the ocean, they enter our food chain through the marine life that we consume.

'The real solution to this environmental problem is not from rattling statistic and scientific evidence; not from creating new technological innovation; not from social accusation or more punishing laws; we must foster immediate collective consciousness. The fostering of collective consciousness is the ultimate goal of the collection Plankton, Star, and Virus.'—Imhathai Suwatthanaslip