This Visual Fluency piece functions as a metaphor, showing how plastic pollution is slowly taking the place of natural icebergs and destroying the habitats of polar animals. The plastic bag beneath the water’s surface symbolizes the way human waste is replacing ice, and the polar bear standing on top highlights the devastating impact this has on wildlife. Environmental responsibility nowadays is crucial, as our choices as humans are directly tied to the survival of other species.
One of the most challenging aspects of the process was color correction, making sure the collage felt cohesive and reflected the tone of the Arctic. The darker shades of blue and green-teal tones were chosen after researching how polar waters actually appear, helping the piece feel more authentic while also setting a heavy, emotional mood. The images used in the collage were sourced through Google and Pexels, ensuring they were copyright-free.
Every visual choice was intentional in shaping this message. The lonesome polar bear emphasizes vulnerability, showing how isolated and unprotected these animals have become. The iceberg being revealed as a plastic bag works because of the visual similarity between plastic and ice; an unsettling realization that pollution is disguising itself as part of the natural world. The muted blues and large negative space build a somber atmosphere, suggesting mourning and emptiness, while also pointing to the idea that water will overtake everything and no solution is in sight. Together, these elements reinforce the helplessness of polar animals and the consequences of human neglect.
