Made Out of WHAT is bringing together artists, scientists, environmental leaders and activists from around the world in order to participate in an unprecedented series of events to celebrate the launch of the book The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic?, the just-released 464-page manual on creative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in our waters (published by the Institute for Art and Innovation, Berlin)

Though on opposite sides of the globe, our missions are perfectly aligned. We are founded on the belief that art has the ability to carry messages that trigger action and innovative entrepreneurship and we support the development of all creative solutions to the immense problems of plastic pollution in our planet’s seas, oceans and rivers.

The Universal Sea exhibition will kick off with a book launch and opening party hosted by celebrated actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., in the picturesque Chinatown Central Plaza of Los Angeles with art and installations by international artists who transform consumer waste into powerful visual manifestos. Among them will be artist Claudia Borgna’s ironically ethereal installation of plastic bags; Marcus Eriksen’s wall map, composed of colorful tiles of plastic debris, melted down and positioned in the corresponding continent where it was collected; glowing, life-size plastic animals by sculptor Cynthia Minet; art and out of debris from a Taiwan beach and a performance by Sarah Julig; a VR trash experience by film students of the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg, Germany, and more…

There will be a variety of ingenious and unique creations available for purchase made out of consumer detritus, including, for example, stylish bags made by Middle Eastern refugees on Lesvos from their abandoned life jackets.

Schedule of Events
Exhibition Opening and Book Launch Party: August 8, 6-9pm

The Universal Sea exhibition and book launch will kick off with an opening party in the picturesque Chinatown Central Plaza of Los Angeles. The celebration will present installations by international artists whose works have transformed consumer waste into powerful visual manifestos. Among these are Claudia Borgna’s ironically ethereal installation of plastic bags; Marcus Eriksen’s wall map, composed of colorful tiles of plastic debris that have been melted down and placed in the corresponding continents where they were collected; a glowing life-size animal made of plastic by Cynthia Minet; a statement by Antoaneta Tica in the form of a colorful dress of PET bottles; a virtual reality trash experience by film students from the Konrad Wolf Film University in Babelsberg, Germany; and more.

Those attending the opening party of the exhibition and book launch of The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic? on August 8th are invited to participate in lively “trash talk” with guest host, Ed Begley, Jr., celebrated actor and passionate environmentalist, as well as with the artists and symposium speakers in attendance.There will be new videos, a live performance by artist Sarah Julig, and a chance to experience a virtual reality world of trash. Each participant will receive a copy of the book, hot off the press; be entered into a raffle to win a unique artwork; and walk away with a bespoke MOoW tee-shirt. And to gratify an urge to shop, a selection of ingenious and unique creations will be available for purchase, including stylish bags made by Middle Eastern refugees on Lesvos from their abandoned life jackets. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Location:
936 Mei Ling Way,
Chinatown, LA, 90012

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Summer Nights: August 10, 5pm – midnight

Chinatown Summer Nights, to be held on Saturday, August 10th from 5pm to midnight, will bring a festive crowd to the Plaza to enjoy a night of great music DJ’d by KCRW, along with a variety of vendors. The exhibition will be open and free to the public with a no-host bar and opportunities to purchase unique items from around the globe curated by MOoW.
Location:
936 Mei Ling Way,
Chinatown, LA, 90012

Symposium: August 12, 6-9pm

A full spectrum of outstanding speakers will address the latest facts and potential solutions to the problems of plastic pollution. An international panel of thought leaders will convene on Monday, August 12th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. This is not to be missed! The venue is a short distance from the exhibition at Casa Italiana with ample free parking. There will be a no-host bar. The symposium is free to students with current I.D. The exhibition will be open from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in the Chinatown Central Plaza prior to the symposium.
Location:
Casa Italiana
1051 N Broadway
LA, CA 90012

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Moderator: Bonny Bentzin, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer at UCLA, an expert in developing and executing sustainable programs in the field of higher education and large complex organizations, as well as in planning and hosting national conferences.

Distinguished Speakers:

Charles Moore, sea captain and oceanographer, discoverer of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 1997; founder of Algalita Marine Research and Education in Long Beach, California.

Nicole Loeser, Artistic Director, Institute for Art and Innovation, Berlin; Editor-in-chief of the book, The Universal Sea, Pure or Plastic!?

Anna Cummins, co-founder with Marcus Ericksen of the 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, which focuses on science, research, education and adventure.

Dianna Cohen, artist and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition, Los Angeles, a global alliance of 750 organizations from 60 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution.

Angelica Böhm, Professor at Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg, Germany, teaches the course: “Transmedia Storytelling: Camilla Plastic Ocean Plan.”

Stefan Winter, Ph.D., (Philosophy), Head of the Institute for Artistic Research at Konrad Wolf Film University, Babelsberg, Germany; member of the Management Committee of the European Forum for Advanced Practices (COST / EU).

Kevin Patel, environmental activist and recent high school graduate from South Central L.A.; chapter coordinator for Ignition Green; organizer of the Youth Climate Strike; and a prominent player in many other environmental youth groups.

Closing Party August 17, 7- 10pm

On Saturday night, August 17th, there will be a closing party where you can mingle with the whole event cast of characters, shop at the MOoW boutique, enter the raffle, hear music played with instruments made of trash. There will be a no-host bar.
Location:
936 Mei Ling Way,
Chinatown, LA, 90012

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