Gill Net Series

The Gill Net series, later extended into the Ghost Net series, originated from underwater field research conducted at a deliberately submerged ferry vessel off the coast of Mexico. While surveying the wreck for environmental impact and marine activity, Andres observed clear evidence of contamination affecting surrounding marine life.

During this investigation, he documented a scorpion fish entangled in abandoned fishing netting caught on the upper structure of the vessel. The encounter drew attention to the long-term effects of discarded and drifting fishing nets, commonly referred to as ghost nets, on coastal ecosystems. Subsequent dives revealed extensive sections of translucent gill netting attached to reef substrates, often entangling partially consumed remains of sharks and other marine species.

These observations prompted a sustained investigation into the environmental consequences of abandoned fishing gear. Andres began collecting fragments of recovered netting and incorporating them directly into his studio practice. The materials are embedded, impressed, or collaged into painted and encaustic surfaces, functioning as both physical evidence and compositional structure.

The woven linear networks created by the netting unify the surface while conveying a sense of entanglement, constraint, and interdependence. In the encaustic works, select objects remain visibly embedded in the panel, preserving the presence of the original material rather than a purely representational trace.