OCAD University Open Research Repository

Polymers in Action: Socially Engaged Art and the Environment

Clough, Vicki (2015) Polymers in Action: Socially Engaged Art and the Environment. Masters thesis, OCAD University.

Item Type: Thesis
Creators: Clough, Vicki
Abstract:

Polymers in Action: Socially Engaged Art and the Environment examines eco-art pedagogies that are emerging in response to the serious issue of plastic waste pollution. Using a combination of collaborative, environmental, junk art and craft theories, this research shows how a reconnection to the environment through active participation and art making can foster environmental literacy and the formation of communities of practice. Four artists associated with the website Project Vortex are presented as case studies and analyzed for their critical engagement with waste plastics, environmental clean-up and community building initiatives and the dissemination of these projects to wide audiences via online platforms. Polymers in Action extends these case studies into a local curatorial and educational practice that encourages sustained critical engagement with the environmental implications of current recycling and waste disposal methods in Toronto. This is achieved through ongoing art-making workshops and regular updates to the website www.polymersinaction.ca.

Date: April 2015
Uncontrolled Keywords: Social Engagement, Environment, Eco-Art, Collaborative, Craft Theories, Participation, Project Vortex, Workshops
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Criticism and Curatorial Practice
Date Deposited: 13 Aug 2015 14:54
Last Modified: 21 Dec 2021 00:15
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/277

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