This installation debuted at Cairns Eco Fiesta in May 2022, and shined a spotlight on the critical issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. ‘Trouble in Paradise’ involves a painted mural board, painted by FATFROG Studio, depicting two scuba divers surrounded by coral reef and marine animal sculptures. These were constructed from plastic collected from beach clean-ups in the greater Cairns area in partnership with Tangaroa Blue.
This community project was made possible by volunteers and community groups, including Harbrow Mentoring - an organisation that provides mentoring and leadership for young people in Cairns. This encouraged local engagement on the issue, and demonstrated the power of individual actions in creating a big movement.
All marine debris was collected by volunteers and staff of the Tangaroa Blue Foundation from clean ups in the islands and coastlines of Far North Queensland. In Cape York, over 90% of the debris comes from the ocean, with very little coming from the land.
All proceeds from ‘Trouble in Paradise’ were divided between our charity partners, the Australian Marine Conservation Society and PADI Aware.
Trouble in Paradise
Cairns Eco Fiesta
Cairns, Australia
2.4m x 4.8m
‘Trouble in Paradise’ is a visual statement on marine plastic pollution. It explores the complex relationship between our throw-away culture and the oceans and environment at large. It is a community project realised by different organisations in the local Cairns area including FATFROG Studio.
The goal was to raise donations for our charity partners: solutions-orientated organizations that restore and conserve the Great Barrier Reef and our oceans.
