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Debris

202115 minPG

Synopsis

Ten feet of salvaged timber and other materials are transformed by artist Pete Clarkson into a memorial for the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

  • See the unique stories behind tsunami debris.
  • Find out how wood craftsmanship reflects Japanese tradition.
  • Meet the artist working with large ocean-found materials.

Did You Know

  • The narrator found a beam on the beach that became a significant part of their life.
  • The narrator has collected materials from the ocean during numerous trips to the beach.
  • The first pieces of debris collected were styrofoam, with hundreds found at Long Beach.

Perfect For

Art enthusiastsEnvironmental advocatesHistory buffs
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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials did the artist collect from the ocean?

The artist collected various materials including painted wood, round objects, and pieces with numbers or words on them.

What was the first type of debris to arrive on the beach?

Styrofoam was the first type of debris to arrive, with the artist collecting a hundred pieces from Long Beach.

How does the artist feel about the tsunami's impact on communities?

The artist reflects on how people in communities would have felt safe before the tsunami struck unexpectedly, comparing it to the feeling of being enveloped in a forest.

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