12 Sculptures Made From Recycled Materials
For time immemorial, human beings have generated trash ... lots and lots of trash. And from the aqueducts and municipal dumps of ancient times to the massive landfills of today, we’ve tried all kinds of ways to get rid of it. However, when trash makes its way into the right hands, it can be turned from mere waste into something imaginative and daring. Creative folks around the world have seen old…
1. Tire Sculptures of Breighner's Tire Center 📍 Littlestown, Pennsylvania
An employee named Noah Russell at Breighner’s Tire Center took on a challenge to build a tire float for a local parade. He created a lion and a fire-breathing dragon out of tire pieces, coat hangers, turf and a can of bucane. These remarkable sculptures now adorn the front of Breighner’s dealership, becoming a beloved landmark for travelers along Hanover Pike.
2. Frontera Sculpture Oasis 📍 Luna County, New Mexico
Artist Taras Mychalewych created the Frontera Sculpture Oasis in the Chihuahuan desert after his car exploded while he was traversing the region. The garden is constructed from donated and scavenged materials such as bricks and bottles, and it represents the region's environmental challenges. The oasis features a mariachi band and Watts Towers-inspired elements, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and human impact.
3. Rainbow Sea Container 📍 Fremantle, Australia
Perth, Australia’s Fremantle neighborhood holds a historic industrial port. Artist Marcus Cannin transformed nine sea containers into a colorful, 29-foot-tall arch, nicknamed “The Containbow,” to celebrate the city’s revitalized creative scene. The rainbow painting on the containers showcases the vibrant artwork and transformation of the area.
4. Badaren - Spår av Mänsklighet (The Swimmer - Traces of Man) 📍 Skanör med Falsterbo, Sweden
In southern Sweden, a parking lot in Skanör med Falsterbo displays a sculpture made from discarded chairs, parasols, and beach waste. This installation, titled "The Swimmer - Traces of Man," serves as a stark reminder of how individual actions and the lifecycle of goods can impact our environment. From manufacturing to destruction, everything leaves a trace.
5. Ethyl the Whale 📍 Santa Fe, New Mexico
An artist in Santa Fe, New Mexico, created Ethyl the Whale using recycled polyethylene, resulting in an 82-foot-long sculpture. Located in the city, Ethyl serves as a stark reminder of the environmental impact of plastic waste. The whale sculpture showcases the transformative potential of recycled materials and encourages viewers to reevaluate their attitudes towards waste and beauty.
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