The murky side of surfing

A new exhibition at the Eden Project this summer (until Sept. 4th) 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. 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.