The Bleaching Hawk
TL;DR:
The Bleaching Hawk is Mariska Nell’s tribute to the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, whose numbers have declined 80% in the last century.
750mm x 610mm x 720mm | Wireframe, single-use plastic bags & straws, concrete base | Mixed-medium sculpture
The Bleaching Hawk is Mariska Nell’s tribute to the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, whose numbers have declined 80% in the last century. Formed from a wireframe wrapped in single-use plastic bags and straws, the turtle swims over a coral reef built from more straws, highlighting both a key food source and the coral bleaching crisis. Barnacles on the shell signal declining health, while the title plays on “watching like a hawk,” a call to hold polluters accountable. The sculpture underscores a sobering fact: a turtle has a 22% chance of dying after ingesting just one piece of plastic.
FAQ:
Q: What is The Bleaching Hawk made from?
A: The Bleaching Hawk is made from wireframe, single-use plastic bags & straws, concrete base.
Q: What are the dimensions of The Bleaching Hawk?
A: The Bleaching Hawk measures 750mm x 610mm x 720mm.
Q: What is the status of The Bleaching Hawk?
A: Mixed-medium sculpture.
About the Artist:
Mariska Nell is an award-winning South African-born sculptor and painter known for transforming single-use plastic and everyday waste into sculpture, functional design, and portraiture. Her work has been exhibited at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Design Week, and on the banks of the Seine in Paris, and sits in private collections including Trevor Noah, Gary Vaynerchuk, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Read her full story.
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.