Life Jacket

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Artist: Linda Kim

Title: Life Jacket

Attribution: Life Jacket, 2021, Linda M Kim

Year: 2021

Materials: Found fabric, found beads, found metal rings, bamboo stick, thread, found batting

Dimensions: 26 x 42 inches

Image Statement: The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of world’s water supply and produces more carbon emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined each year. Washing synthetic clothes releases 500,000 tons of microplastics (such as polyester that does not break down) into the ocean each year — equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles. Plastic pollution threatens marine life. Oceans are an important source of food and host to 80% of the planet’s biodiversity. Healthy oceans reduce climate change impact by absorbing 90% of excess heat and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. The fast-fashion trend compounds these problems. People buy more of cheaper clothing and keep them for a lot less time — sending 85% of all textiles to landfills each year. Indeed, there is growing consumer awareness for sustainable and ethical fashion. But the best way to be truly sustainable is to buy secondhand and make do with less. This project was created with found fabrics and beads.