Duke Riley Makes Waves with Big Plastic

On view now through April 23, 2023 are close to 250 works—both new and old‚ including Riley’s modern adaptation of scrimshaws. Scrimshaws are etchings typically created by whalers on the byproducts of whales, but instead of using whale teeth or bones, Riley utilizes repurposed plastic containers. The artist maintains the traditional imagery of scrimshaws but also depicts international business leaders of the plastics industry. Riley selected a few examples of 19th-century pieces from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection to display in comparison. The exhibit further connects to the past in the 17th- and 18th-century Jan Martense Schenck and Nicholas Schenck Houses, a pair of American period rooms available to the public to experience for the first time.

Riley balances his critiques with reflections on those promoting clean waterways and reduced plastic consumption. He presents short films highlighting the work of New York community members, and the Brooklyn Museum is working on collaborations with organizations such as the New York Aquarium, in addition to grassroots groups, to further promote sustainability and clean waterways in New York. 

Riley emphasizes that although the material goods have changed, capitalism’s environmental impact remains just as dangerous to our waterways, and “DEATH TO THE LIVING, Long Live Trash” encourages all to reflect on their individual consumer habits and the immense scale of the environmental impact of larger corporations.