Sam Wilde was commissioned by the V&A to create an eco-conscious sculpture constructed from umbrellas donated by the TfL Lost Property Office for their Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition.
A commentary on the growing threat of mining exploitation and plastic pollution on the deep sea environment. Deepstaria umbra is a fully mechanised biosynthetic lifeform born from the fusion between a deep sea jellyfish and six discarded umbrellas that floated to the ocean’s floor.
Found in the Midnight Zone at depths below 1,000 feet, Deepstaria umbra lives amongst the sediment plumes of microplastic waste that have been stirred up by deep sea trawlers mining for rare earth metals.
Characterised by a thin umbrella-like membrane, vast gastrovascular cavity and notable lack of tentacles. The striking colouration of its warning markings are hypothesised to be an evolutionary maladaptation stemming from contamination with industrial by-product.
With credit to collaborative maker Naing Lin Oo.
With credit to collaborative maker Naing Lin Oo.
Deepstaria umbra · Installation Art
Deepstaria umbra · Concept Art
