Shell Resonance
2020, 2022
Artist(s): Capto Collaborative – Lawrence Liang, Anson Li, Kathy Lai, Natalia Gulbransen-Diaz & Yanyi Feng
‘Shell Resonance’ brings to life the folk myth of hearing the ocean in a conch shell. Reaching up from the sand, the work is a pearl white shell cradled by a larger than life metallic human hand.
However, our modern-day ocean differs greatly from the nostalgic past. Subverting expectations, ‘Shell Resonance’ confronts viewers with the harsh reality of plastic pollution.
Digital speakers embedded inside the shells play the sound of rustling plastic instead of the soothing rush of waves. Prompting reflection, this installation sparks conversations and encourages a deeper understanding of the true sound of the ocean—plastic.