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Plastic Ocean

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Plastic Ocean by Yoh Nagao
Fine-art Giclée print on Italian cold-press watercolor paper
24 x 18 Inches
Limited Edition of 50
Signed & numbered
Printed with by Paragon Press
Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery
Photograph by Tre' Packard
"Plastic Ocean" highlights the issue of marine plastic pollution and its impacts on wildlife such as whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Since 1964, plastic production has increased twenty-fold, reaching 322 million tonnes in 2015. This is the equivalent of more than 900 Empire State Buildings. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of plastic waste is adequately disposed of and recycled. As a consequence, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean (by weight).
Additionally, the ocean's largest fish, whale sharks are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are slow to mature and reproduce, making them particularly vulnerable to the pressures of overfishing. These plankton feeding giants are prized by the global shark fin trade.

Artist Statement

"In our generation, tons of plastic products make our life convenient. Unfortunately, once they have been used, many of them end up floating in the ocean and just polluting it as trash.

This whale shark is made up of a collage. The materials are only cut out pictures of plastic goods I found in magazines.  Sadly, these gentle giants are one of the many victims of our disposable lifestyles.

Let’s think and take action to keep this beautiful ocean and these magnificent animals healthy and abundant for the next generation."
- Yoh Nagao -
 

Artist Bio 

Yoh Nagao
Yoh Nagao is an artist from Japan, based in Berlin since 2012. His major theme is the big question of “Are we gonna be indigenous people in the future?” alongside with the direction of the development of human kind. Fashion and goods from folklore to modern times are important elements to him. They have been fascinating our instinct and desire and reflect the steady evolution of our culture. They are the fuel for our hope and pleasure but also a trigger for conflict and destruction. Using these inspirations as basis of his art, Nagao is creating art works with collages from fashion magazine and acrylic painting. His research on folklore includes ethnological museums, cultural heritage sites and discussions with experts. In the last few years, he has participated at a large number of exhibitions and art projects around the world, and is currently working on several private commission works and theme works in his studio in Berlin.

The Story Behind

Plastic Ocean

Yoh Nagao

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About the Artist

Yoh Nagao

Yoh Nagao is a contemporary Japanese artist born in Yokohama and raised in Nagoya, known for his innovative combination of painting and collage. He passionately pursues the artistic and philosophical theme “We will be the indigenous people of the future.” Nagao has established himself as one of Japan’s leading international artists, with his acclaimed solo exhibition in Hong Kong in 2009 marking the beginning of a global presence. His works have since been exhibited in major cities worldwide, including Switzerland, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Spain, Tokyo, Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico. Among his many accolades, he received an honorable mention in the Collage division at the ARTAQ Urban Art Award in France. His notable projects include art visuals for a European Asics limited edition sneaker campaign and illustrations for the JRA Chukyo Racecourse annual campaign in 2015, and he has been featured in renowned publications like JUXTAPOZ, DAZED AND CONFUSED, LODOWN, and dpi.

Nagao’s dedication to his craft extends beyond exhibitions and commissions; he actively shares his passion and philosophy through collage workshops held in various cities around the world. His commitment to experiencing and learning from indigenous cultures has taken him to Mexico and Namibia, where he conducted fieldwork and gathered inspiration for his art. After spending over five years based in Berlin, Nagao returned temporarily to Japan in 2017 and currently works in his atelier in Nagoya city. He aims to move to New York as his next step, continuing his journey of artistic exploration and cultural integration.

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Priority Ocean Challenge

Pollution + Plastics

Pollution, especially plastic pollution, contaminates marine habitats, bioaccumulates in marine species, and contributes to ecological imbalances with unknown and far-reaching consequences.

It's Worth the Wait

Each of our print editions is meticulously hand-crafted. Please allow up to 10 weeks for order delivery.

The Real Thing

Every Printed Oceans print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Shop-to-Support

100% of profits directly supports PangeaSeed's work to bridge art and ocean science.

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