AfterShock: Marine Life Saving Pillow (2010)
Dumbo Arts Festival, Brooklyn, NY
AfterShock is a site-specific installation by Jennifer Zackin inspired by a 1923 U.S. patent for the "Marine Life Saving Pillow," originally designed as a flotation device to prevent drowning. Zackin reimagined this concept for the 21st century, creating a contemporary version to address the urgent need to protect marine life from oil spills.
The installation features over 200 "Marine Life Saving Pillows" crafted from brightly colored nylon tights stuffed with alpaca fleece and sheep’s wool, encased in orange plastic mesh. The resulting forms resemble vibrant sea anemones, a marine species endangered by human impact. The technique used in AfterShock draws inspiration from the oil-absorbent "hair booms" produced by Matter of Trust during the Gulf Coast oil spill cleanup efforts.
Through its striking visuals and conceptual depth, AfterShock raises awareness of the ongoing devastation caused by oil spills, the fragile state of marine ecosystems, and humanity's dependence on fossil fuels. The work invites viewers to reflect on their role in protecting the planet and the oceans.