Microplastica is the result of the Seccombe’s exploration of (3D) micro-X-ray Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) of a miniature toy plastic octopus, and is part of a series of work entitled Nanoplastica. Now that lenses allow us to see microscopic organisms previously invisible to the naked eye, the infinitesimal can appear to us like monsters. While seemingly playful, this work seriously examines issues of visualization, replication and simulation of the natural world.

Seccombe has employed 3D ink-jet printing technologies to replicate the plastic octopus in modified forms. Since scanning of the toy octopus in 2006, the artist has considered the ubiquitous pollution of plastic debris throughout the marine environment. As plastic rubbish disintegrates into smaller and smaller particles, scientists are identifying trillions of minute objects entering the ocean food chain and seriously damaging ocean habitats. As plastic is rapidly replacing marine life, Seccombe is considering through 3D printing processes, how plastic based species will evolve out of this toxic sea of resin.