What is the plastic pollution crisis in Bali?

Bali's beaches have been inundated with waves of plastic pollution, a growing crisis on the island that photographer Sean Gallagher has documented through his work.

Where can I see Sean Gallagher's photos of the Bali plastic crisis?

Gallagher's portraits capturing the scale of the problem and the local community's efforts to clean up the waste are on display at the 2025 Head On photo festival in Bondi Beach, Australia until November 30th.

How long has the plastic pollution problem been worsening in Bali?

According to the article, the plastic pollution crisis on Bali's beaches has been getting worse by the year, with the situation reaching alarming levels in January 2025.

Home / Environment / Photographer Exposes Bali's Plastic Nightmare: Beaches Inundated with Waste

Photographer Exposes Bali's Plastic Nightmare: Beaches Inundated with Waste

15 Nov

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Summary

Bali beaches inundated with plastic pollution
Photographer Sean Gallagher documents the crisis
Exhibit at 2025 Head On photo festival in Bondi

Photographer Exposes Bali's Plastic Nightmare: Beaches Inundated with Waste

As of November 15th, 2025, the plastic pollution crisis on the island of Bali has reached alarming levels. In January of this year, the island's beaches were inundated with waves of plastic waste, a phenomenon that has been steadily worsening over the past several years.

Photographer and filmmaker Sean Gallagher traveled to Bali earlier this year to document the increasing tide of rubbish washing up on the beaches and riverbanks, as well as the monumental challenge faced by the local community in cleaning up the mess. His powerful portraits capturing the scale of the problem and the people working to address it are now on display as part of the 2025 Head On photo festival at Bondi Beach promenade in Sydney, Australia. The exhibition will run until November 30th.