WIPE OUT FOR TOXIC SURFING: BEN COOK @ EDEN

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A new exhibition at the Eden Project this summer explores the murky side of surfing, and highlights some of the cutting-edge eco-technologies currently being developed in Cornwall that are making the sport a whole lot greener. The healthy image of surfing – all golden sands, glassy waves and cheesy grins – isn’t as squeaky clean as it seems, with highly toxic chemicals such as fibreglass and neoprene being used to make surfboards and wetsuits.

Ben Cook

Artist and surfer Ben Cook addresses these issues with his environmentally conscious exhibition ‘Ben Cook at Eden’, supported by Arts Council England, South West. “I want to raise awareness of ecological issues relevant to the surfing community through my work,” Says Ben. He uses groundbreaking sustainable materials being developed by Cornish companies such as Homeblown Surfboards and Sustainable Composites, to create wall-based abstract ‘landscape paintings’.

'The Pack 2008’ is one of many installations that will be on display. It uses a renovated surfer’s VW camper van, old surfboards, discarded wetsuits and surf wax to highlight the ways in which surfing’s toxic materials cause damage to the environment. Ben based the piece on an original work by artist Joseph Beuys.

Currently the most environmentally damaging material used in surfboard construction is polyurethane. New biofoams and eco-resins that are being developed are gradually bringing down the percentage of polyurethane used, and replacing it with polyoils derived from plants. “The Eden exhibition will suggest possible ways of exploring a more sustainable and natural aesthetic in surfboard design. In the future, the ideal is that surfboards will be 100% organic so that they can decompose,” he explains.

Arts Council England, South West Executive Director Nick Capaldi said: ‘'Ben's show is a great example of how the arts contribute to and raise debates about important issues that impact us all.'’ It’s the environment that provides surfers with waves, yet the surfboards and wetsuits we use have a negative impact on it. Ben’s exhibition will be highlighting the issue creatively, reminding us that this has gone on far too long and needs to be dealt with – fast. (Kezia Clark)

www.edenproject.com
www.bencookartist.co.uk

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