Transition Year • group • Cavan

Group Category   •  2026
Demersal is an artwork created from recycled materials that draws attention to the fragile life that exists beneath the ocean’s surface. Using discarded plastics and found objects, the piece mirrors the textures and forms of sea creatures highlighting how human waste often ends up in their habitat. The rough, reused materials symbolize pollution and neglect, while their transformation into art suggests the possibility of change. The motto for this year’s TY group is ‘Embrace Change’ and Demersal emphasizes the importance of looking after our sea by reminding us that our everyday actions have lasting impacts on marine ecosystems, and that protecting the ocean is essential not only for sea life, but for the health of the entire planet. What you see before you is a collaborative artwork made from cardboard, tissue, newspaper, paper, plastic, netting, rope, wellies, buckets, turf bags and wood. These objects were found in bins at home and at school. Students used them to make artwork. We also asked local farmers for the turf bags and meal bags Students study a range of subjects including engineering and woodwork this helped us to make the frame for the piece. We used recycled wood and used sawdust to replicate sand. We used shavings from steel sheets in engineering to create details for jellyfish. The wellies and buckets symbolise a day at the beach and how everyday items can get lost or get left behind and end up in habitats of our sea animals. We think about embracing change in how we make art and use recycled materials. It has a lifelong impact on our lives. The sculpture represents dedication and collaboration between TY students in Coláiste Dún an Rí, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.