Invisible Protection

Invisible Protection, 2024

Agar-agar, PVC
Variable installation

Artificial chemical materials have deeply penetrated our lives, and we use them daily. We know they are harmful to the environment, but to what extent? The impacts are often invisible. Perhaps my immediate concern is staying clean. Moreover, convenient materials also support our health. For instance, Gore-Tex hiking boots are comfortable. The dilemma between what is harmful and beneficial, or between protecting nature and immediately protecting ourselves, will persist. These issues are entangled with complex interests and cannot all be quantified. The pollution in Biesbosch affects our daily lives. Eggs harvested near Dordrecht are distributed to local supermarkets, and although swimming near Biesbosch is discouraged, the water keeps flowing somewhere. Even if non-stick baking paper and pans no longer contain PFAS, we have used pans and baking paper with PFAS for decades. On rainy days, we still need waterproof materials.

Therefore, this project transforms the mud texture of Biesbosch Swamp into natural materials like agar-agar and SCOBY to show bacterial growth. Clothes we wear daily, such as underwear and shoes that protect our bodies, are made by mixing agar and PVC. Agar is a plant-based, edible material that contains nutrients suitable for bacteria. Additionally, agar petri dishes display the collection of body bacteria from human-being gathered from Biesbosch.

#When I was walking in the Biesbosch in January, the snow on the ground neither melted nor froze. Muddy slush covered most of the Biesbosch. As I took my first steps, I felt a mix of fear and hesitation.

- Is it okay to step here?

- Will my shoes get wet? I don’t want to dirty my shoes.

- What if I sink into the swamp?

#I was somewhat relieved that my leather boots kept my feet from getting directly wet, but I regretted not wearing Gore-Tex waterproof shoes.

#I enjoyed walking in nature, breathing fresh air, listening to birds, and gazing at the vast wetlands. I wanted to immerse myself more deeply into nature, but not to the point of actually sinking into it.

#At the same time, I disliked getting dirty.

#As I pondered these thoughts, I saw the Chemour Factory across the Biesbosch, emitting smoke like clouds. They developed Teflon, a fabric material known for being waterproof and resistant to dirt, stains, and spills.

#Ironically, what I needed now was a product from the chemical factory next to Biesbosch Park. The Chemour Factory is also actively researching its environmental impacts.