From Pollution to Parable: The Green/Blue Aesthetics of Textile Production in a Changing Climate

The environmental impact of the textile industry extends far beyond immediate pollution, affecting ecosystems in lasting and complex ways. This research investigates the intricate relationship between textile production, environmental degradation, and the development of new aesthetic paradigms in response to climate change. Drawing on Jed Rasula’s concept of “cultural ecology” and Stacy Alaimo’s “trans-corporeality”, the study examines how marine environments impacted by textile production inspire the shift toward raw clothes — natural, decorative forms created by marine ecosystems. Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater sculptures serve as a central case study, illustrating the potential for ecological regeneration and the creation of new aesthetic forms. These artworks highlight the cyclical exchange of materials between human and nonhuman worlds, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life. The research proposes that the pronounced “green/blue turn” in textile aesthetics signifies a shift in perceptions of clothing and materiality, advocating for a sustainable and regenerative model of fashion. By integrating natural processes into textile manufacturing, the industry can align with the rhythms of the natural world, offering insights into the sustainable evolution of textile production and consumption. This study enriches the field of environmental humanities, contributing to the literature on green/blue aesthetics.