Free-diving at night off the coast of San Remo, Australia, with only a handheld torch, I search for forgotten debris. Carefully extracting these objects, I photograph them suspended above the ocean surface in a low-range light spectrum invisible to the human eye, using ultraviolet light and long-exposure techniques. The resulting images reveal an unseen ecosystem, showcasing how the ocean absorbs our discarded waste. Vibrant, microscopic life forms reclaim these objects, creating a mesmerising surge of colour. These otherworldly, surreal images depict both beauty and devastation, highlighting nature’s resilience and the impact of human carelessness. My work serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to change our relationship with the environment, blending art and environmental awareness to convey a crucial message about sustainability and responsibility.
Words and images by Matt Bagley