‘Toxic Beauty’ exhibit at Mississippi Aquarium highlights the impact of ocean plastic pollution

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- An art exhibit is shining a spotlight on the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans.

‘Toxic Beauty’ is open at the Mississippi Aquarium and features art pieces that showcase the harm plastic waste can have on marine life and our oceans.

The exhibit is presented in partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi’s school of ocean science and engineering, along with local collaborators.

The goal is to use art to spark conversations about ocean conservation and the importance of reducing plastic pollution. Mississippi Aquarium Interim CEO Jeff Gibula said, “Give people an idea of what it does to our animals in the Gulf. Hopefully it raises awareness about what plastics are and microplastics, how bad they can be as they break down and get into everything. And it’s a very large problem in all of the oceans across the world. This not a local problem only, it is a global problem and something we wanted to bring to light with USM. Toxic is in its last couple of weeks. It goes through Labor Day but it’s a limited time offer. The pieces are cool. They go from being very basic to very, very detailed.”