FRANCISCO TELLERIA
NEW SPECIES
An artistic contribution aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans.
New Species
collection
This collection seeks to depict how the vast amount of plastic waste in the sea can be mistaken for normal fish swimming around, thereby confusing observers. By portraying how coral reefs and sea anemones mistake floating plastic items for their new habitat, and how other fish mistake plastic waste or microplastics for prey, the artist aims to immerse the viewer in the plight of marine ecosystems.
This is especially critical given the dire consequences of such behaviour, including threats to biodiversity and the transfer of toxic contaminants to humans through the consumption of seafood.
01
Specie
Red Ribbon Vinyl Anguilla
& The Canteen
Marching Harlequin
Context:
Sea anemones often live in close association with other organisms, as the anemone’s tentacles contain numerous stinging cells that are used to immobilize the anemone’s prey.
However, in this case, the new inhabitants are not aware that their colourful home is actually a death trap. Their red industrial oily colorant obstruct the anemone's tentacles and lead to its demise.
02
Specie
White Powder Stain
& The Royal
Laundry Doncella
Coral bleaching
in marine life
Coral reefs are vibrant and colourful due to the microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within the coral, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. However, when the ocean environment changes, such as becoming too hot, the coral expels the algae and fades, resulting in coral bleaching.
White Powder Stain & The Royal Laundry Doncella fish, are unaware of the danger they face from predators that can mistake plastic for prey, leading to liver function problems and the transfer of toxic contaminants to humans who consume these fish.
03
Specie
Black Powder Stain
& The Oil Humphead
The presence of microfibers
The presence of plastic microfibers further exacerbates the issue, with healthy sea anemones ingesting these fibers, which become a chronic condition of their existence. As the Black Powder Stain & The Oil Humphead fish swims across their healthy anemones, they release microplastics and plastic microfibers that are carried around the ocean by currents.
Over time, these microfibers combine with other microorganisms and fish, creating fluorescent colours that may appear beautiful but actually multiply the damage to the anemones and increase the risk of bleaching.
New Species - R&D
This R&D process intended to blend the beauty and dynamics of marine life with innovative, eco-conscious design, resulting in unique, functional creations.
01
Concept
The core concept seeks to depict how the vast amount of plastic waste in the sea can be mistaken for normal fish swimming around, thereby confusing observers. This symbolizes how marine life is being infiltrated and transformed by plastic waste, becoming the New Species in oceans.
02
Multi-step process
This structured approach ensures that every aspect of the idea is carefully considered, leading to a well-rounded and thoroughly developed outcome.
03
Biomimicry Study
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Conduct in-depth research on the locomotion and coloration of fish.
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Analyse how fish muscles and fins work together for efficient movement and how their colours change in different environments.
04
Material Analysis
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Examine different types of plastic materials to determine their suitability for mimicking fish movements.
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Assess the colour compatibility and durability of these materials.
05
Prototype Development
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Create initial prototypes using selected plastic bottles, designing them to replicate the fluid motion of fish.
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Experiment with various designs to achieve lifelike movement and aesthetic appeal.
06
Testing & Refinement
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Test prototypes in water environments to observe and improve their movement.
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Adjust colours and patterns to closely match those found in nature, ensuring they are visually captivating.
TESTING
This example is one of the earliest iteration of the New Species 'animation.
This animation incorporated:
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The fish movement to the plastic bottle.
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Interpretative artistic sea anemones.
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Aesthetics & locomotion in relation to the position of the plastic bottle.
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Colour compatibility and microplastics.
NEW SPECIES
An artistic contribution aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans.
