oscar oiwa sets sail to floating installation challenging marine pollution for keelung caio 2023

‘modern ocean wildlife’ traverses fishing port in taiwan

For the eight edition of Keelung Ciao, Oscar Oiwa unveils Modern Ocean Wildlife — an installation that sails along the Zhengbin Fishing Port in Taiwan. Responding to the art festival’s 2023 theme of Between Ocean and Light, Oiwa’s floating artwork warns visitors about the impeding environmental degradation occurring in the oceans at the hands of human pollution.

In an ironic expression of these pressing concerns, the designer’s illustrations metamorphose marine life with garbage that has been dumped into the ocean. Notably, the ‘catch of the day’ crowns the top of the fishing boat, poised as a didactic representation by installing a sign in front of the vessel, as is often observed in zoos. Its form has been crafted from inflatable balloon, tricot mesh, and recycled fishing nets, elevated above a boat on stilts.

oscar oiwa spotlights the impact of pollution on marine life

Japanese designer Oscar Iowa’s Modern Ocean Wildlife responds to Keelung Ciao 2023’s call for humanity assume stewardship of our planet and safeguard the diverse marine life that inhabits it. Inviting a series of installations and artworks, the festival urges us to contemplate the intricate interplay between people and ocean systems, both above and beneath the shimmering surface of the sea.

With a structured thematic framework, the festival initiates its exploration by fostering an appreciation for the ocean, cultivating an enduring connection between Keelung and its maritime surroundings. The coastline is enlivened with captivating landscape art installations, igniting local pride through art and stimulating fresh visions for the revival of the fishing harbor through celebrations and festivals.

Oscar Oiwa, a second-generation immigrant of Japanese descent based in Brazil, specialized in architecture at the University of São Paulo University in 1983. Influenced by comic art from an early age, Oiwa’s works are vivid manifestations of his narrative-driven perspective of the world, unfurled on canvas. With his distinct blend of humor and imagination, enriched by his global experience having resided in São Paulo, Tokyo and New York, he continues to explore social issues using his surroundings. Following careful investigation, he brings them to life through intricate drawings and bird’s-eye-view compositions on expansive canvases.

project info:

name: Modern Ocean Wildlife

artist: Oscar Oiwa

location: Zhengbin Fishing Port, Keeling City, Taiwan

event: Keelung Ciao 2023

dates: 28 September — 15 October 2023