ECHOES OF HOPE

DOLPHINS IN A PLASTIC OCEAN

BY SOPHIA ZAHRA

Echoes of Hope is dedicated to the beauty of dolphins and the oceans in which they live. It also serves as a reminder for all of us to show care for our planet, by protecting dolphins and our oceans from extinction and plastic pollution.

SUSTAINABLE ART

This sustainable painting uses plastic-free, plant-based paint, derived from food waste and hardy plants. Plant paint is a sustainable alternative to acrylic and oil paints, which use chemicals and manufacturing processes that are harmful to our environment. The canvas is made entirely of recycled plastic bottles and FSC certified wood, highlighting the amazing products that can be created when we focus on recycling and sustainable manufacturing.

PLASTIC POLLUTION

To raise awareness of plastic pollution and the growing issue of harmful microplastics in our oceans and food chain, I have incorporated plastic that I found during a visit to Bournemouth Beach in the United Kingdom. The plastic rubbish that I collected on the beach has been intricately added to the painting, reflecting how microplastics that pollute our oceans are often hard to see.

PLAYFUL DOLPHINS

Echoes of Hope shows two dolphins playing with sargassum as sunlight refracts off the water. This piece was inspired by an image taken by Prince Hussain Aga Khan and published in his book and exhibition entitled The Living Sea. I was inspired by this image as it captured the fun and playful nature of dolphins, which reminded me of my first encounter with a dolphin in Malta when I was just three years old. Since that time, I have always been intrigued by dolphins and their playfulness.

INTELLIGENCE & BEAUTY

As I got older, I was amazed to learn that dolphins are one of the most intelligent non-human animals on our planet. From their incredible intelligence to their use of echoes to navigate and communicate, dolphins are one of the most intellectually advanced mammals on Earth and an incredible example of the beauty of creation.

EXTINCTION & CONTAMINATION

At present, one in every four species of dolphin is close to extinction, with ten species considered to be at serious risk. Meanwhile, around 8 million pieces of plastic make their way into our oceans every day. Plastic pollution and particularly microplastics are incredibly dangerous for dolphins as well as all sea life and humans. We have to show more care for our oceans and reduce our use of plastic to halt the pollution of our seas and contamination of our food chain.

CARE FOR OUR PLANET

We all have a duty to care about the impact of our daily routines on dolphins, our oceans and our environment. By thinking carefully about the materials we use in our daily lives and finding sustainable alternatives where possible, we can all show care for our dolphins, oceans and planet.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy

Echoes of Hope: Dolphins in a Plastic Ocean

Sophia Zahra