Andrew Hughes

Andy Hughes has been described by a well-known NGO as the 'Godfather of Plastic Pollution Photography'. He is a British visual artist and photographer devoted to addressing plastic pollution, surf culture, and issues related to climate change and sustainability. His journey into these concerns began in 1985 when he learned to surf in sewage-polluted seas. The impact of contaminated waters has significantly influenced his work over the last three decades and has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC, National Geographic, The Guardian Environment, and international art exhibitions.

Born in a coal mining community in Yorkshire his life changed dramatically after studying fine art and then receiving a scholarship to the Royal College of Art, London. As the first artist in residence at Tate Gallery St. Ives and an early member of Surfers Against Sewage, he actively collaborates with NGOs, scientists, and non-profits, including Surfers Against Sewage and the Plastic Pollution Coalition (Los Angeles). Hughes combines art, science, and nature to create works challenging conventional ideas about pollution, with a focus on plastic and climate change.

In 2013, Hughes joined Gyre: The Plastic Ocean, the world's first science and art project documenting plastic pollution in the marine environment. Supported by NOAA, the Smithsonian Institution, the Rasmussen Foundation, and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, this initiative resulted in a National Geographic film, exhibition, and book. Hughes often shares his experiences as an artist and activist, expressing robust environmental and political beliefs, including his memorable encounter with a grizzly bear on a remote Alaskan beach.

Hughes is the author of several books, including a ground-breaking publication 'Dominant Wave Theory'. He collaborated with world-leading scientists, such as Dr Richard Thompson, OBE to contextualise the subject of the book, plastic pollution. Published by Booth-Clibborn Editions in London and Abrams in New York, the book is an impactful contribution to the global plastic problem. In the second instalment of the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Awards, Hughes was honoured with the prestigious 'Creative Award,' bringing together environmental activists and community leaders worldwide, with previous winners including Sir David Attenborough.

All of Hughes' talks are accompanied by stunning creative works of art, including films and photography, showcasing his diverse projects and travel expeditions from Alaska to California, South Korea, and closer to his home in Cornwall. Hughes' speeches are characterised by intelligence and uniqueness and are designed to be ultimately inspiring by encouraging audiences to think creatively. He engages with audiences of all backgrounds, from corporate CEOs to primary schoolchildren. A recent attendee at a talk titled ‘Being Plastic’ remarked how they "never thought of plastic in that way before."

Hughes has delivered talks and keynotes at various events and businesses, including Notpla (Earthshot Award winners 2022), Ecology, Activism, and Creativity at Taliesin Arts Centre, The Grand Challenge, Ocean and Me, The Future of Sustainability, IPA EFF Week, Havas HKX in London, and Smart Water at London Zoo, as well as at the Blue Mind Summit.

In 2022, Hughes lived for six months on Gapado Island, South Korea, as a Gapado Artist in Residence. Gapado aspires to become the world’s first completely carbon-neutral island by 2030. Situated in the South China Sea, this tiny landmass has a population of fewer than 100 people and is home to the UNESCO world-famous Haenyeo women divers. This recent experience, like his others, is just one of many ingredients that help him create captivating creative presentations for others to be inspired.