The Sea Beneath the Waste: Photography and Ecological Responsibility
- WODACC
- May 11
- 3 min read
At the World Grand Prix Photography Award Spring 2026, Liao Chia Wei received the Gold Award in Social Issues & Humanitarian Photography for White Pollution, a powerful aerial image exposing the growing crisis of coastal plastic waste.
Captured along the northern coastline of Taipei, the work contrasts the deep blue of the ocean against scattered white debris, creating a visually striking confrontation between natural beauty and environmental destruction. Through documentary observation and careful composition, the photograph transforms pollution into an undeniable visual reality.
Technological advancements have brought greater convenience into people's lives. However, governments to implement policies to reduce plastic in recent years. These efforts have still not been able to catch up to the rate of environmental destruction. Plastic waste accounts for the highest proportion. The pollution caused by these plastics is known as "white pollution".
Interview
Q. What inspired you to take this award-winning photo? Is there a story behind the piece you’d like to share?
Liao:
This photo was taken on the northern coast of Taipei, Taiwan, while I was conducting a research survey on coastal plastic waste. I looked down from the air using a drone, and instead of seeing this beautiful blue sea, I saw a large amount of scattered plastic waste along the coastline. That moment shocked me greatly, so I pressed the shutter to record the undeniable reality behind this beautiful scene.
Q. Were there any challenges during the process of creating this series or image? How did you navigate them?
Liao:
At first, I didn't know which coastline was most polluted, so I spent a lot of time researching and looking for clues. Finally, I found a few of the most severely polluted coastlines.
Q. How do you approach the balance between technical skill and emotional/artistic expression in your photography?
Liao:
I used a "Symmetry" composition to separate the pristine ocean from the litter on the coast. The "blue seawater" and the "white trash" create a strong contrast, where beauty and destruction coexist, making it impossible to ignore.
Q. What message or feeling do you hope your photography conveys to viewers?
Liao:
I hope that viewers will first be attracted by the beauty of the visuals, then feel uneasy about the existence of pollution, and then reflect on their relationship and responsibility with the environment. If we do not make any changes, "White Pollution" will become ubiquitous.
Q. In your view, what role does photography play in today’s world?
Liao:
Photography is an important medium for recording the times, conveying emotions and perspectives, and turning everyday moments into stories worth remembering.
Q. Would you like to share your website, biography, photos, and any social media links for showcasing and promotion?
Liao:
I have been working in film shooting and production, projection mapping, and exhibition setup for nearly ten years, and currently serve as a part-time lecturer at National Taichung University of Science and Technology. I hope to use my accumulated practical experience, combined with art and photography, to guide students and a wider audience to see different perspectives and developmental possibilities in environmental and social issues.
Editor’s Note
In White Pollution, Liao Chia Wei uses aerial photography not only as documentation, but as confrontation.
The image’s visual elegance draws viewers in before revealing the unsettling scale of environmental damage hidden within the landscape. By balancing beauty with discomfort, the work encourages reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature and the growing urgency of ecological responsibility.
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