Artist Profile

Ocean Sole is a Kenyan social enterprise and collaborative art initiative that transforms discarded flip-flops recovered from East Africa's coastlines into vibrant hand-carved sculptures. Working at the intersection of art, environmental conservation, and social impact, the collective collaborates with local communities and skilled artisans to convert marine plastic waste into intricate representations of wildlife and site-specific installations. Combining traditional craftsmanship with sustainable material practices, Ocean Sole's work highlights the creative potential of upcycling while drawing attention to the global challenges of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. Through its circular production model, the initiative supports fair-wage employment, community-led beach cleanups, and environmental education, demonstrating how art can serve as a catalyst for ecological awareness and positive social change.