Fu Junsheng was inspired to start collecting beach debris after observing the impact of human activity on the environment during his time at Qingdao University. He noticed the increasing urbanization, the disappearance of fishing villages, and the accumulation of human-made waste on beaches, which led him to explore the relationship between societal development and the natural environment.
Fu Junsheng highlights the significant environmental issue of plastic pollution in the oceans. He notes that humans produce 12 million tons of garbage annually that end up in the oceans, with over 8 million tons being plastic. These plastics, derived from fossil fuels, are largely produced by the world's largest oil companies and represent a visible form of human pollution in marine ecosystems.
Fu Junsheng uses the debris he collects to create installations and public art that reflect on themes of life, survival, and the relationship between humans and nature. His works often involve assembling found objects without altering their original state, emphasizing the concept of reversibility and the potential for recycling and reusing materials.
The presence of international debris on the beaches of Changshan Archipelago indicates the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the widespread impact of human activity across different regions. Items such as Korean lighters, fishing permits, and industrial labels found on the beaches show how waste from various countries can accumulate in a single location, highlighting the need for international cooperation in marine conservation.
Through his artwork 'Anubis's Balance,' Fu Junsheng conveys a message about the ethical balance between human actions and natural sustainability. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian myth where Anubis weighs the hearts of the dead against the feather of truth, Fu suggests that modern 'truth' should be the natural capacity to sustain life, and our actions should be measured against this to ensure we do not exceed the Earth's ecological limits.
有时候看着海面上来往的轮船,感觉这个小岛就像一个小星球。而我通过对海滩漂浮物的观察,可以像考古那样审视我们自身所处的文明和时代。