Addressing the problems of urban rivers and water scarcity, it's apparent that while wastewater discharge grabs headlines as a visible "big" issue, the accumulation of seemingly inconsequential "small" problems from modern lifestyles and daily behaviours presents a far more intricate and challenging pixelated conundrum. For instance, between 2019 and 2021, a staggering 98 novel pollutants were detected in London’s waterways, with half of them pharmaceuticals and lifestyle products. These often overlooked trivialities are gradually interconnecting and forming an invisible yet immense mosaic depicting a grim picture of the Anthropocene future, with our relationships with the real world being fragmented, eroded and detached by a feast of virtual illusions.

To shed light on these submerged issues understandably and engagingly, and bridge the gap between individual actions and collective responsibility, this public programme proposes an extension upon the existing community art along the Hogsmill River— the Malden Manor Mosaic—by creating and crafting a series of small-scale mosaic stepping stones to be laid along the muddy paths of its riverside walks and local natural reserves. Drawing inspiration from the esteemed "The Unswept Floor" mosaic art of a Roman dining room, which vividly and meticulously depicts the spectacle of the remnants of the finest delicacies, these stepping stones are expected to encapsulate the remnants of modern lifestyles and imagine new ways of coexistence with urban rivers.

Programme proposal :

The community mosaic workshop on river ecology theme aims to give agency and creativity to the trivialities, using mosaic-making as a method to rethink, reorganise and rebuild relationships from fragments. To inspire new conversation, reflection and exchange on how we can make contributions through daily actions and community building.

These mosaic stepping stones serve not only as aesthetically pleasing for those strolling along the Hogsmill riverside but also as organic conversation starters, sparking curiosity about the challenges our rivers face. Through the artful creation of mosaics, invite participants to woven fragments into cohesive pathways, revitalizing our bond with nature and each other.