My work highlights decades of environmental degradation in my home state at the hands of the sugar industry. It sours the water and air less than an hour’s drive outside the sugar barons’ own affluent Palm Beach neighborhood. “Big Sugar” blocks restoration of the Everglades, Florida’s natural water purifying system, causing widespread toxic algae blooms potent enough to burn lungs. It also suffocates the Glades communities with nearly continuous sugarcane burning, a practice many countries have phased out due to increased respiratory disease. All the while, local government taxes these same afflicted people for tourism ads selling the Florida fantasy.

Mentor: Gaye Chan, Artist; Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Gaye’s thorough and insightful approach to critiquing my work as well as her knowledge on my subject matter made for an invaluable collaboration.