Three Taiwanese design students created popsicles from 100 different polluted water sources around the country as part of the Polluted Water Popsicles project to highlight the urgent need for environmental reform. While most of us are aware that pollution is a serious problem, seeing it presented so clearly and in such a way only serves to further the message they’re trying to send.
- Taiwan is experiencing rapid economic growth and expansion. The country’s urban centers are expanding at an astounding rate, leading to increased pollution, much of which ends up in Taiwan’s waterways. Hung I-chen, Guo Yi-hui, and Cheng Yu-ti from the National Taiwan University of Arts chose to shine a light on the issue with their resin popsicles.
- Each pollution popsicles comes from a different Taiwanese water source. While water can be polluted with any number of substances, it was discovered that 90% of what was found in Taiwan’s water was plastic. The findings included bottle caps, chopstick wrappers, and many other things that should never have ended up anywhere but the trash.
- It’s a clever way to get people talking. Most people are aware that we have a problem with single use plastics and other environmental pollutants, not everyone understands just how serious the issue is. Turning this water into resin popsicles shows people the extent of the problem in an undeniable way but also an uncomfortable one. After all, no one would want to bite into one of those popsicles!
- The best kind of art always has a message to send. Because these were created by design students, it’s easy to assume that they’re works of art, and they definitely are. However, the best art also has something to say, offering commentary or asking a question about the world around us to provoke thought and hopefully, in this case especially, action as well.
