The Hudson River, a majestic waterway that starts in the Adirondack Mountains and flows south into New York Harbor, is not just a picturesque landscape but also a critical migration route for various species of fish. From sturgeon and bass to herring and eels, these fish travel upstream every year to spawn, facing challenges due to habitat destruction caused by pollution and the impacts of climate change.
To raise awareness about the plight of these migratory fish, Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River watershed, recently organized the Fish Migration Celebration. A highlight of the event was the presence of large-scale puppets created by artist Greg Corbino as part of his ongoing series, “Murmurations.”
Corbino’s larger-than-life gold sturgeon puppet adorned a sailing ship that led a flotilla from Chelsea Pier in New York City to Croton-on-Hudson, the location of the Hudson River Music Festival. His papier-mâché marine creatures, including oysters, sturgeon, a seahorse, and a whale, paraded along the riverbank in both locations as part of a symbolic migration.
Using plastic trash collected from New York City waterways and beaches, Corbino creates these sculptures to draw attention to the impacts of climate change and plastic pollution in our oceans. Through collaborations with events like the Fish Migration Celebration and New York City’s River to River Festival, he aims to shed light on these pressing environmental issues and inspire action.
To see more of Corbino’s thought-provoking work, visit his website. The fusion of art and activism at events like the Fish Migration Celebration not only brings attention to important environmental issues but also fosters community engagement and connection. By using creativity as a tool for advocacy, artists like Corbino are able to spark conversations and inspire positive change for the future of our planet.
