South African artists are turning electronic waste into art to evoke sustainable reactions and awareness about Ewaste in the most creative ways!
South Africa (23 July 2023) — If you’ve ever wondered where elder electronics or devices that just don’t work like they used to before go, you might get a fright. Dubbed eWaste, millions of these devices end up getting disposed of in the wrong way year after year, and the result is pretty messy. However, artists aren’t sitting this fight out. And in South Africa, they’ve come up with a plan to make eWaste something beautiful.
The You Made This Initiative is promoting the proper sustainable send-off for electronics through art collaborations like the ‘Drowning Planet’ exhibition and other team-ups.
Through their efforts, they’re encouraging a circular economy of refurbished electronics and spotlighting talented artists who specialise in transforming e-waste into awe-inspiring installations.
Who are YMT?
YMT was inspired by the growing impact of electronic waste on our environment and the lack of knowledge that exists when it comes to disposable items. The lack of recycling weighs heavily on the global electronic industry and as devices become more numerous, smaller, and more complex, the issues get bigger.
But, making noise through art has led to remarkable pieces that showcase the beauty and transformative power of recycling. These installations aren’t just visually captivating, they also remind people that throwaway culture won’t cut it.
By giving a second life to discarded electronic components as a new medium, these artworks challenge our perception of waste and encourage us to reconsider consumption patterns.
For Founding Director of YMT, Dominic Humphry, the eWaste community and collaborations are profoundly impactful for artists too.
“The integration of eWaste into their artistic practice helps to deepen their understanding of environmental sustainability. By repurposing eWaste, artists contribute to a circular economy, creating art that serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility towards responsible consumption and waste management.”—Dominic Humphry.
EWaste Gets a New Chapter through Art
Some of the notable art installations, created by Francois Knoetze and David Braithwaite, are constructed entirely from salvaged circuit boards and electronic components.
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Other pieces include, a sculpture made from discarded computer monitors, keyboards, and other eWaste materials, as well as a large-scale interactive art installation constructed from recycled cables, wires, and other electronic components.
“Art and eWaste hold tremendous significance in our world today. Art has the power to transcend barriers, evoke emotions, and spark dialogue. By using eWaste as a medium for artistic expression, we not only draw attention to the global crisis of electronic waste but also highlight the transformative potential of recycling and responsible consumption. Through art, we inspire individuals to rethink their relationship with waste, ignite conversations about sustainability, and ultimately pave the way for a more environmentally conscious future.”— Dr Paul Bayliss Senior Specialist, Absa Art and Museum Curator.
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