SHELF-LIFE illustrates the array of plastic that has washed up on the remote, uninhabited Henderson Island, part of the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific – which is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world.
Mandy Barker’s powerful images shine a light on the rising tide of plastic pollution – which not only pollutes the environment and harms marine life, but also contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates climate change.
The images in this series are inspired by the incredible coral reefs that surround Henderson, represented by the plastic objects that pass over them and threaten their very existence. Each image is titled with a barcode – found on the objects recovered – to emphasise the LIFE of plastic that has travelled from SHELF to SHELF.
The impact of Barker’s work has been recognised by numerous international awards and the awareness raised has been lauded by the likes of Sir David Attenborough. A personal handwritten letter from Sir David to Barker reads “I hope your work does its job in raising an awareness of the cause we both care so much about. With renewed wonder and best wishes.”