Ernest Goh
WORKS:
PLASTIGLOMORATES
Plastiglomerates are marine debris, usually plastic, that has been fused with natural materials such as ocean rocks, sand and wood. These plastic-rocks are now considered by social scientists and geologists to be a potential marker of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological timescale that dates from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems.
In Jane Bennett’s Vibrant Matter where she discusses recognising the active roles of human and nonhuman forces in events. The artist wanted to explore the kind of ‘rock-matter’ that could be produced by the active participation of his own, and as an exact opposition to the ‘naturally-made’.
A 10-metre long dinning table surface that presents shore debris collected from Punggol beach Singapore. Participants are invited to remove micro plastic – ocean plastic fragments 1 – 5mm in size. The work prompts participants to develop a deeper understanding of the plastic pollution crisis, its complexities and contradictions. Can we truly think of ourselves as detached from nature, at a time where microplastics have found their way into the air, our food and even our bodies?
Creatures of the Meek
The meek will inherit the earth, transforming into creatures forged from a culture of ignorance. Born from the remnants of the devastation left behind by man, they survive in an environment stripped of its resources. They are the aggressors and the victims, the monsters and the protectors, takers, and the givers. ‘CREATURES OF THE MEEK’, is a water refill station created by the artist by crossing participatory public art and a social utility such as a public drinking water fountain.
Plastic waste has reached tremendous amounts around the world. Even with efficient waste management systems and recycling initiatives, we will soon be unable to cope with the hundreds of tons generated every day globally. We can, however, stop contributing to plastic waste by reducing our use of single-use plastics. Refuse a plastic bottle of water, opting instead to refill a reusable bottle at a public drinking water fountain.
PROJECTS:
Lead artist Ayer Ayer – an ecologically-engaged initiative that reaches out to communities through visual and participatory artworks to foster environmental protection and awareness. Ayer Ayer’s focus on ocean plastic in the regional waterways of South-East Asia has led to the creation of public art, digital gamification and research projects.
Artistic-director Ubah Rumah – an artist residency and research outpost located on Nikoi island, Indonesia. The residency programme offers artists and researchers an opportunity to explore and investigate cultural and climate issues faced by islanders of the Riau archipelago. The programme partners Nikoi – an ethically developed island destination focused on bringing unique experiences that minimises negative impact in the short term and has a long term positive impact on the local community and environment.
The Animal Book is the result of the artist’s fascination with the natural world that began as a boy at his grandmother’s rural kampung in Siglap, Singapore, where he waded in longkangs looking for fish and jumped into bushes searching for fighting spiders.
REACH:
Instagram: @ayerayerproject
Email: ernest@ayerayer.com
Artist and photographer Ernest Goh’s practice has been spent looking at the environment and its creatures, trying to understand the complex yet awe-inspiring interconnectivity between our planet and its inhabitants. Ernest Goh founded Ayer Ayer – an ecologically-engaged initiative that reaches out to communities through visual and participatory artworks to foster environmental protection and awareness. Ayer Ayer’s focus on ocean plastic in the regional waterways of South-East Asia has led to the creation of public art, digital gamification and research projects.