Upcycling to recalibrate environmental conscience

As you walk into the Gallery at InKo Centre, you can’t help but notice the aesthetically crafted jellyfish lampshades and beautiful fish models, jewellery and other gift articles, made of discarded plastic and CDs. The installation, Song of the Sea, by Auroville-based Korean artist Ok Jeong Lee, presented by InKo Centre in association with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, draws attention to the plight of the sea, that is teeming with life yet choking due to the growing menace of pollution, fuelled by humanity that has remained largely insensitive and indifferent. “I came across reports about how an increasing number of whales and jellyfish were dying because of the consumption of plastic covers and a subsequent imbalance in the ecosystem. I also realised how, unlike before, these days we had to think twice before consuming seafood because of the risk of contamination. So, I wanted to create an installation that will reconsider and recalibrate our response to the environment that we both draw from and must nurture and protect,” explains the artist, who is the founder of OK Upcycling Collection in Auroville. 

While Lee acknowledges that doing away with something as essential as plastic, one of the main reasons for sea pollution, is difficult, she says upcycling efforts can help a great deal. “From all my years of practising upcycling, I realised that once I created beautiful things out of all that discarded plastic, nobody wanted to throw it away. I guess that is something each of us can take to and contribute in our own little way,” adds Lee. Originally a textile designer back in Seoul, Lee has worked with discarded cassette and video tapes to make hats and bags. She moved to India in 2004 along with her husband and two teenage children and has been living in Auroville since 2008. Her studio here offers upcycling workshops to students from all over India as a practical step for anyone interested in the art of upcycling.