June 2023 Exhibition: NATURE CALLS
Photos by Bruce Osborn
June 3 - June 30, 2023

©Bruce Osborn

The objects in this exhibition were collected from the beach near my home in Hayama. Like an archaeologist studying past civilizations, I am fascinated by the items that wash ashore, revealing the ongoing conflict between nature and our consumer-driven society. Plastic pollution in our oceans is causing significant harm to marine life. Birds, fish, and other sea creatures mistake these objects for food, leading to severe health issues and starvation. As plastics break down into microplastics, the consequences cascade through the food chain, affecting smaller species. Astonishingly, the majority of this rubbish originates not from beaches or dumping at sea, but is urban waste that finds its way to the ocean via storm drains and rivers.

While it is unpleasant seeing trash on pristine beaches, I am intrigued discovering man-made objects which have been transformed by nature. Through my photos, I aim to highlight the beauty and uniqueness that can be found even in discarded items. Plastics have become deeply entrenched in our lives, and it is unrealistic to imagine a world without them. However, we must actively reduce our dependence on single-use plastics and work towards standardizing plastic components for easier recycling and upcycling.

In an urgent call for action, we must recognize its impact on the environment and safeguard our oceans and marine life for future generations.

Bruce Osborn (Exhibition Chair)
Peter Lyon (Co-Chair)