Since we are so keen on reusing materials here in the Crafts Department, I thought it appropriate to share with you an exhibition I visited last week at the Educational Alliance’s Ernest Rubenstein Gallery. Upcycled presents the work of several artists who use trash—collected from their own garbage or that of neighbors and coworkers, sidewalks, and public dumps—to create sculptural pieces, vessels, and wall installations. Who knew plastic postconsumer waste could be so beautiful?

Back Next

1 of 8

1 “Cancan #20” by Janet Nolan is made of plastic bottle caps, lids, and straws.

2 “East Otisserie” by Ilene Sunshine made of plastic bags.

3 A cascading spiral of water bottles(!) - "Flotsam Reef Spiral" by Olivia Kaufman-Rovira. Photograph by Olivia Kaufman-Rovira.

4

5 Found plastic, metal, and wood in "Garden” by Tyrome Tripoli. Photograph by Paul Katz.

6 Amazing vessels made from plastic discarded bottles (see the V8?) by Shari Mendelson. Photograph by Robert Wright.

7 A sculptural piece by Barbara Lubliner. Photograph by Michael Steele.

8 Photograph by Paul Katz.

Although the show is no longer open, the Educational Alliance is hosting a workshop on recycled art. Open to the public on May 7, the workshop will be led by Upcycled curator and artist Barbara Lubliner and artist Bernard Klevickas.

Posted by Laura Kaesshaefer on January 27, 2011 in Around Town, Photo Galleries