Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Holds Plastic Entanglements Exhibit

This article was an assignment for my Reporting class in which students chose an event to attend and provided event coverage. I chose to attend the Plastic Entanglements exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

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Currently in the second month of a four-month long showing, University of Oregon students and other Eugene community members observe the Plastic Entanglements exhibit held at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Calling to attention human use of plastic and its environmental effects, the exhibit features 58 works by 30 artists from around the world.

The exhibit, which is held from September 22nd to December 30th, explores the human-plastic relationship in the past, future, and present, bringing awareness to sustainability practices. University of Oregon Environmental Studies student Natalie Lehrbach, who attended the Plastic Entanglements exhibit explained that the art provides a “necessary narrative to keep people informed…and opens people’s eyes to their use of plastics”. Being mindful of sustainability practices has become increasingly important as recent reports, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report published earlier this month, claim that the effects of climate change (some, caused by plastic pollutants) will negatively impact global environments if swift action isn't taken soon.

While plastic provides convenience to everyday life for humans, the lasting ecological impacts of human plastic consumption prove dire to wildlife. “…the dead birds [were] shocking” explains University of Oregon student Rose Kordahl, while describing a photo series, by artist Chris Jordan. Jordan’s photos feature Albatross remains decomposing, revealing human-manufactured plastic within the carcass. “[the photos] combined something natural and unnatural…I think it helped bring awareness” Kordahl said.

Besides photo and video installments, the exhibit also featured works made from reused plastic and other recycled materials. Exhibit attendee and UO student Ariella Dahlin, pointed out a 3-D printed sculpture made of plastic with embedded recycled electronic parts by artist Morehshin Allahyari. Dhalin explained that the exhibit reinforces human connectivity through plastics as she shares Middle Eastern ancestry with Allahyari. Dahlin, felt represented as the exhibit combines “heritage and environment…bringing the plastic [that people] throw away to their face” encouraging sustainability practices.