Sem Leutscher

Department: Man and Leisure
Website: www.semleutscher.com

PRECIOUS CARGO

WHAT
Decorated porcelain vessels as a visual representation of the pollution caused by mass global transport.

WHY
In the 17th century, colonial traders began shipping their wares across the oceans. The long, perilous transport increased the value of the products: buyers paid more because these special items travelled far. It was a delicate balance. Today that balance has tipped: goods from anywhere in the world are available at low prices. Is this a good thing, or does it demonstrate how careless consumerism has made us? Echoing the past, this installation reminds us of the real cost of shipping to the environment.

HOW
These delicate vases depict the world’s biggest cargo ships and have been decorated with the carbon they emit.

QUOTE
The link between mass consumption and pollution is here in black and white.