My inspiration for this artwork has been the tragedy of the MV Wakashio oil spill in 2020. This has been one of the worst marine pollution Mauritius has faced. The southeast coast is known for it splendid coral reefs and marine life which were threatened by this incident. Humans have been blessed with logic and reasoning thus, living in symbiosis with the natural environment is a choice. We can choose to live a life with them. Choose to see light and colours rather than darkness and decay since ultimately, the destruction of the natural world would lead to our own drowning and a darker future. The choice is ours. Thus, through this diptych mix media print, I wish to emphasise the impact of negligent human activities on the sea world as exemplified by this oil spillage. Further, the colour palette is directly influenced by the mesmerising, brightly coloured and vivid coral reefs and the sea world. The main technique used is ‘Colour Viscosity printing’ on zinc plate which combines principles of relief and intaglio printmaking. Other techniques used are Line etching, Aquatint, Embossing, Etching on linoleum, linocut, Chine collé, Collage and Monotype combined to present two possible perceptions.
