Lonely Whale
“Lonely Whale” was created out of my passion to fight the use of single-use plastic straws as well as my love for the ocean and the Blue Whale, often referred to as the Lonely Whale or 52.
Although Blue Whales are endangered there is something special about this particular whale, 52. Blue Whales normally communicate at a frequency of 15-25 Hertz. 52 on the other hand communicates at 52 Hertz, making it impossible for other Blue Whales to understand him and to communicate with him. It is believed that this whale has spent its entire life in solitude. Calling out, never to be heard or communicated by any other whale, making this whale indeed the loneliest whale in the ocean.
I wanted to tell the story of 52 as well as that of Lonely Whale, a Not for Profit that is doing wonderful work to help our oceans. One of their first campaigns #stopsucking was aimed at getting people to stop using single-use plastic straws. Therefore, the entire wireframe of the whale is covered using single-use plastic straws that are fused together.
Through this piece I want people to become more aware of their single-use habits and what impact these habits have on our oceans.
The base of the sculpture is created using a reclaimed piece of wood that was collected in the UAE desert.
Title: “Lonely Whale”
Dimensions: 930mm x 600mm x 500mm
Medium: Mixed Medium (Wire Frame and Single-use plastic Straws)
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.