Those who know me well know that I’ve always liked ducks. In fact, my first drawing as a child was a duck… or was it a chicken?
This early fascination with nature, particularly waterfowl, has found its way into my latest awareness art installation, which I’m excited to share with you. Staying true to my instincts and passion for environmental awareness, this installation builds on the themes I explored at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2022 and this year at the RA Summer School. My signature colour palette once again takes center stage, reimagined and refined, in a piece that reflects both my photography and my growing concerns for our planet.
The installation, which I’ve now turned into a photo collage, plays on an idea I’ve had for years: how can I use art to make people think about their impact on nature? The Turner Prize 2024 just opened at the Tate, and its influence is undeniable in this work. But where Turner focuses on the breadth of contemporary art, I chose to zero in on something simple yet profound—ducks.
But these aren’t just any ducks. In this piece, I’ve reshaped empty plastic bottles to form duck-like figures, juxtaposed against images of real ducks gliding serenely across the water. The contrast is stark: while the real ducks symbolize purity and natural balance, the plastic ones are a sharp reminder of the growing threat of pollution. These empty bottles—familiar, yet now foreign in form—urge us to reconsider how much waste we are leaving behind, and the ways it affects our ecosystems.
It’s here that I bring in the critical importance of the Convention on Wetlands, an international organization based in Switzerland that works tirelessly to protect wetlands and the species that rely on them. According to their site, wetlands are vital ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing water filtration. However, they are disappearing at an alarming rate due to human activity, especially pollution and climate change.
My installation supports their mission by turning the spotlight on the everyday harm we cause to these environments. With the image of “do not feed the ducks” and the message to “not pollute the ponds,” I want people to see that looking after our fresh waters isn’t just about not disturbing wildlife—it’s about preventing the poisoning of their habitats.
So let this be a reminder: protect what matters. Reflect on your daily actions and their far-reaching impacts. Take that extra moment to properly dispose of your waste. And next time you’re near a pond, think of the ducks.
Here are three organizations in the UK that are addressing freshwater pollution and its impact on bird species:
RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
RSPB works extensively to protect birds and wildlife, including addressing the effects of freshwater pollution on bird habitats. They run conservation projects and advocate for clean water initiatives to protect wetland and aquatic ecosystems vital for bird species.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
WWT is dedicated to conserving wetlands and the bird species that depend on them. They tackle pollution issues by promoting sustainable water management practices, working to restore wetlands, and advocating for reducing pollutants that threaten these environments.
The Rivers Trust
The Rivers Trust focuses on protecting and restoring the UK’s rivers and freshwater habitats. They work to reduce pollution in waterways, ensuring cleaner water for both wildlife, including birds, and human communities.
These organizations all contribute to safeguarding ecosystems impacted by water pollution.
