Aradhita Parasrampuria

The manufacture of plastic from petroleum and of synthetic resins used in the production of sequins and beads has worsened the microplastic crisis and generated extensive waste. I create sequins and beads by using kelp, a large brown alga that helps restore coastal environments by absorbing nutrients from agricultural waste. I dye my beads using probiotic bacteria, cellulose, and jellyfish protein (which causes the beads to change color in the sunlight and glow in the dark) to create a circular material system.