The Carnegie Arts Center presents Reclaimed: The Art of Ecologyan exhibition of works of art created from discarded materials that encourage the viewer to see “garbage” in a new light.
Thirty-two artists participating in a unique artist-in-residence program have transformed an array of unexpected, discarded materials into works of art. From innovative furniture design, papermaking and costumes to quilting, sculpture, collage and even some paintings, there is something for visitors of all ages to learn and enjoy. The exhibition is on display at the CAC’s Ferrari Gallery from September 24 to December 28.
Ramekon O’Arwisters, The Key is Within, 2017, mixed media (photo courtesy of Recology San Francisco Artist in Residence Program).
Recology is San Francisco’s 47-acre recycling and transfer center that sorts, recovers, and processes waste from across the city. Also known as “the dump,” this garbage metropolis is home to one of the Bay Area’s most coveted artist-in-residence (AIR) programs. Operating with the belief that art plays a unique role in educating and inspiring the public, Recology offers emerging and established Bay Area artists the opportunity to create artwork from San Francisco’s unwanted materials. Equipped with protective gear and a shopping cart, artists have the privilege of foraging for waste in the public reuse and recycling area—which the artists refer to as “The Big Store.”
Nemo Gould, Impala, 2007, electric sander, band saw, projector, vacuum cleaner, meat grinder, motorcycle clutch lever, antlers, garlic press, pipe cover (photo courtesy of Recology San Francisco Artist in Residence Program).
Since the AIR program’s inception in 1990, over 150 professional artists and 50 art students have participated in the programs, creating art from salvaged materials. With this rare opportunity to create artwork from materials salvaged from the landfill, Recology hopes to empower communities to conserve natural resources. Additionally, the AIR program’s mission is to give voice to systematically marginalized populations, provide a community space for learning, and host a public education program that inspires children and adults to reimagine their role in creating a just and sustainable world by reducing their consumption habits.
Looking at the wide range of work that has emerged from this program, it is clear that there is more than one way to create art from recycled materials.
“One might expect to find work that directly addresses environmental issues, but the works in this exhibition are more nuanced. These artists cover a wide range of ideas and issues,” said CAC director and curator Lisa McDermott.
Erik Otto, Moment of Clarity, 2009, recycled house paint and spray paint on found materials (photo courtesy of Recology San Francisco Artist in Residence Program).
Some of the artists are inspired by nostalgia, approaching the dump like detectives or archaeologists uncovering untold stories; others are inspired by the process of transformation, describing the experience as a kind of alchemy – turning previously unwanted materials into valuable new objects. McDermott adds that while their approaches are educational, they are not crude.
“Many of these creative people incorporate humor into their work to encourage friendly discussions about complex issues. Rather than predicting doom and doom, this Recology exhibition takes the approach that art can be an incredible force to change hearts and minds and spark dialogue about ways to support and protect the environment,” she said.
For more information about upcoming programs and events related to the exhibition, visit carnegieartsturlock.org.
