Hidden in Plain Sight

Amelia Seabury, Bone to Pick

Acrylic paint on canvas, 2019

This painting depicts a partial x-ray of a whale. The head and tail appear unharmed and ordinary, yet the center unveils cans, plastic bottles, and other bits of trash scattered within the whale. Inspired by Chris Jordan’s series of environmental artworks, including Albatross, the artist presents the idea that pollution can seamlessly blend into marine life, harming creatures while being unnoticed. The plastic wrap covering meant to represent ocean waves further highlights how strongly pollution can affect this ecosystem all while remaining undetected. While people can only see the unaffected exterior of these animals, the artist shows where contaminants can hide and affect life, signaling the audience to give more attention to their own waste reduction and conservation efforts. -Sebastian Rios-Melean

Mikayla Fulcher, Fresh Meets Salty (left), Waters of Italy (right)

Film photography

This artwork presents candid images of a coastline in Italy. While visiting Italy, the artist wanted to capture unique moments in nature many would take for granted, without forging a particular scene. Thus, these images were spontaneously taken when she felt it was “just right.” This artwork reveals that nature is filled with many appealing and serene sights, yet the artist believes people are often caught up with other everyday events to notice. With an uncertain future, it’s also possible this beauty may soon disappear without many realizing it, only leaving behind a photograph. This candid artwork shows that one can find their own beauty in nature by observing the world around them while encouraging others to destress and spend time with nature to find their own aesthetic sights. -Sebastian Rios-Melean