Liana Zverina
Mangrove 
 
mixed media
60x60cm on wood
 
Mangroves are making a comeback along the Cooks River. But beneath the surface, there are ghosts. Ghosts of waste and debris long deposited in and along the length of the river. The waste that poisoned the river is fading, but only with constant diligence and awareness and the desire to save a river that winds 23 kilometres through urban development. This piece focuses below to the mangrove roots, specifically suited to filter water and stabilize the river bottom, that are once again supporting a living ecosystem. Encouraging an aquatic resurgence of crabs, schools of fish and other creatures, who are slowly returning to the river. Yet, one can see the remnants of wire, netting, gears and other waste still entangled in the mangrove’s fragile roots.