Environmental Graffiti

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Image: Emmet Byrne

Remember picking up random objects from the side of the road as a kid and being scolded for it, forced to let the treasure go? Here’s a chance to get creative with everyday objects (read: trash). The following examples show that beauty is in everything, even trash, and that amazing things can be designed out of it if we put our minds to it.

The igloo above seems to be made mainly out of newspapers, paper cups and plastic sheets, creating a surprisingly homogenous white-to-pastel colour scheme. This project was contributed by artist David Hamlow and others at the Art Shanty Projects 2006. This annual, 5-week public art installation uses a frozen lake as an open-air gallery.

Image: Rovingmagpie

The dodo is dead – long live roadrunner! This gigantic roadrunner is made entirely out of trash – its white belly is mainly composed of old sneakers and the rest of old shoes but there are also old electronics, appliances and antennas. A mesh covering holds the tail feathers together. The roadrunner can be found hunting on a hill above the city of Las Cruces in New Mexico. This trash sculpture is not only beautiful but also a design and engineering marvel – it is perfectly balanced so that it can withstand even strong winds on its skinny legs.

Image: Cyndy Sims Parr

This trash fish was made out of waste found in the river running through Gwynns Falls Park in Baltimore, MD. Note that apart from plastic bags and car parts, most of the objects found like plastic bottles are actually recyclable. This project was part of the annual Art on Gwynns Falls Trails exhibition and exemplifies that raising awareness about river pollution can be done in a constructive and creative manner.

Image: Stuart Lawrence

This rubbish robot seems to be straight out of Terminator. He could once be found at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England in 2005, but who knows, he might be back!

Image: Jessie Mia Hull

Leaving the artsy for the more practical and playful, this playground in South Africa shows how old barrels and tires can be put to good use. Don’t miss that creative baby swing on the right!

Image: Ben Fulton

This colourful playground rests on a deep layer of recycled car tires dyed blue, providing cushy protection for anyone sliding too fast. No scraped knees for the lucky students of Marlin School in Bloomington, IN.

Image: Robinzeggs

Who is afraid of the big bad tire monster? It looks half buried but its blood red tongue seems ready to lash out. All equipment at this playground in Tuckahoe State Park in Maryland is made out of recycled tires – there’s even a tire jungle gym in the background.

Image: me55enger

Now from playgrounds to do-it-yourself trash art. These five stickmen seem to enjoy the view of the Australian coast. Or maybe they are doing a rain dance? Their simplicity and grace do complement the amazing landscape. Don’t miss the stones at their feet to stop them from being blown away.

Image: Retinal Fetish

An impromptu beach sculpture at Bay View Beach in Milwaukee, WI. Lost and found man-made objects come together in harmony with natural objects like twigs and stone. Being creative seems easy in front of these amazing views.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

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