HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Hidden in Plain Sight reflects on the environmental realities of the Anthropocene—our current geological epoch shaped by human influence. Often referred to as the "Age of Plastic," this era is defined by the overwhelming presence of synthetic, durable materials that have infiltrated every corner of the planet. Each year, an estimated 18 billion pounds of plastic enter the oceans, the result of relentless production and insufficient waste management.
While recycling is widely regarded as a remedy, it remains a flawed and energy-intensive system dependent on extensive sorting, transportation, and infrastructure—often outpaced by the low cost and convenience of producing new plastic. As a result, the cycle of consumption remains largely unchecked.
Technosphere + Feedback Cycle, 2019
Technosphere: Single-serving chip bags, Capri Sun juice pouches, family-size chip bags, coffee bags, Emergen-C packets, steel wire, motor
Feedback Cycle: Series of neckpieces made from plastics collected from various beaches around the globe.
Mounts: Marine debris collected in Hawaii
Technosphere, 2019
It is nearly impossible to recycle snack packaging like chip bags, juice pouches, and coffee bags, as they are made from multiple layers of foil and plastic that current recycling technologies can’t separate. While visiting my son’s summer camp, I saw hundreds of these bags discarded daily—just one camp among thousands in Seattle, and countless more across the country. Each year, 12 billion tons of flexible plastic packaging ends up in landfills, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and awareness.
3.5’ x 4’
Technosphere, 2019
Detail: Single-serving chip bags, Capri Sun juice pouches, family-size chip bags, coffee bags, Emergen-C packets, steel wire, motor
Feedback Circle Reinforcing Loop, 2019
A feedback cycle is a cyclic structure of cause and effect. An initial change to a given ecosystem causes a series of secondary effects, which in a loop, influence the initial change. All subsequent ecosystems are cyclically affected by these changes. This shift moves the system out of its original state of equilibrium. The descriptive term reinforcing loop refers to changes in the cycle that magnify and reinforce the initial change. The loops tend to destabilize a system, pushing it out of equilibrium and causing fairly drastic overall change. These neckpieces, each a loop, embody both cause and effect and serve as evidence of disruption.
Feedback Cycle - Canada #1, 2019
Plastic rope, seaweed, Keurig coffee pods Found on the Gulf Islands, BC
Feedback Cycle - Seattle #2, 2019
Plastic bottle caps, bottle rings, package strapping Found in Seattle, WA
Feedback Cycle - Florida #3, 2019
String, plastic, Styrofoam, seaweed Found in Surfside, FL
Feedback Cycle - Hawaii #4, 2019
Rope and plastic bottle handle Found on Papakōlea Beach, HI
Feedback Cycle - India #5, 2019
Strapping, plastic piece, plastic netting, metallic fabric, plastic cord, plastic wheel
Found in Mysore and Tamil Nadu, India
Feedback Cycle - Iceland #6, 2019
Plastic bag, sea plants, fabric, thread, found cassette tape. Found in Iceland
Feedback Cycle - Alki #7, 2019
6-pack plastic rings, cigarette butts, plastic Found on Alki Beach, WA
Future Relics, 2019
Installation view. Video background: Horrific Beauty
Future Relics #4, 2019
Volcanic rock with fused plastic pieces Found on Papakōlea Beach, HI
Pedestal: Single use plastic food containers
Future Relics #1, 2019
Melted tape wad, cigarette filter, label Found on Alki Beach, Seattle, WA
Pedestal: Single use plastic food containers
Future Relics, 2019
Future Relic #11 Rag with marine algae, plastic hanger Found in Surfside, FL
Future Relic #12 Plastic lid with coral, Oscar Meyer bologna container, hanger Found 2019: Papakōlea Beach, HI and Surfside, FL
Future Relic #13 Found plastic Found 2019: Papakōlea Beach, HI
Future Relic #14 Dryer sheet, marine algae, plastic container Found 2019: Surfside, FL
Through the use of salvaged plastic objects, Hidden in Plain Sight draws attention to what is frequently overlooked. The installation’s visual allure entices the viewer, yet beneath its surface lies a powerful critique of modern consumption. By transforming waste into beauty, Phillips invites reflection on individual habits and collective responsibility, urging a radical reimagining of our relationship with the materials that shape—and haunt—our daily lives.