Life Preserver Voice Over
1 sound
Life Preserver, by Shane Sutton. This artwork is a poignant piece which draws awareness to one of our biggest current global issues. That being climate change and in particular as stated in Shauna Corr's Belfast Live article, "Belfast's vulnerability in rising sea levels" (Shauna Corr, 2022)
The artwork is ripe for analysis. We have the life preserver holding onto seemingly a melting ice cube of immense size. The water ready to rise at any moment. Behind this is the pink sky. Possibly a sunset marking the end of Belfast as we know it.
Shane himself states, "if the ice melts, we're all in the drink." This artwork was created in partnership with Friends of The Earth, a "grassroots environmental campaigning community." Which participates in eco protests and various efforts across Belfast.
This piece is definitely effective in its message. Not only does it tower over Belfast with its multi story depiction. But it's evocative framing and detail. James Orr, the environmental charity director states that where you are right now, could be the first underwater. The ice looms over Belfast as a constant reminder.
