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Ocean Waste Transforms into 15-Foot Seahorse Art
21 Mar
Summary
- A 15-foot seahorse sculpture made from ocean waste stands in Kolkata.
- The artwork, 'A Phoenix of the Ocean,' highlights plastic pollution.
- It was created using fishing nets, plastic, and used machine oil.
A striking 15-foot seahorse sculpture, born from discarded plastic and marine debris, has been installed near Gate 8 of Rabindra Sarovar, a popular lakeside area in Kolkata. This art installation, named "A Phoenix of the Ocean," dramatically transforms ocean waste into a compelling visual statement against the growing problem of plastic pollution.
The sculpture, conceptualized by Sukrit Sen of the Living Waters Museum and created by artist Vyom, was initially displayed at Mumbai's Kala Ghoda Arts Festival before its arrival in Kolkata. It has been refurbished and installed by the Inner Wheel Club of Central Calcutta, with assistance from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority.
The structure stands on a three-foot base and is constructed from refurbished metal, discarded fishing nets, molded garbage bags, and plastic collected from beaches. Its lower section is deliberately coated with used machine oil, a symbolic representation of the pollutants that taint marine ecosystems.
Members of the Inner Wheel Club collaborated with students from The BSS School and Harapur Junior High School to give the installation a fresh look before its placement at the lake's entrance, a location designated as a plastic-free water body.
Vinnyta Agarwala, president (2025-26) of the Inner Wheel Club of Central Calcutta, expressed her deep commitment to sustainability, stating that bringing the seahorse to Kolkata felt destined. Sukrit Sen emphasized art's enduring power as a democratic medium for sparking environmental conversations, particularly in Kolkata, where art serves as a vital means to discuss climate awareness.
