An art exhibition to be held at the George Farmer Building will encourage consumers to shift their thinking on waste.
The exhibition, titled Rethink, will feature recycled, repurposed and reimagined objects that have been transformed into art.
Environmentally-conscious lifestyle magazine Junkies editor Selena Buckinham, who is coordinating the event, said she hoped the exhibition inspires visitors to reduce their creation of rubbish and consider waste as a resource.
“We can’t not rethink what we are doing because it is clearly not going to get any better unless everyday people step up and make sure they deal with their own waste responsibly,” she said.
“These artists and designers are at the forefront of reigniting community perspective on what is rubbish and thinking of waste as a resource.”
The exhibition will feature the work of environmentally-conscious artists from across Australia and New Zealand.
We talk about waste a lot in terms of finality. But in fact many of that material and waste is a resource for another use.
- La Vergne Lehmann
One artist set to exhibit transforms rubbish collected from beaches to confronting pieces of art.
“The designs at first glance look ethereal and lovely but are actually rotting waste as you get up close,” Ms Buckinham said.
Another artist who has returned from exhibition in Los Angeles transforms used toys and materials into bright and colourful designs.
It is the second year the Rethink exhibition has run in conjunction with National Recycling Week from November 12 to 19.
Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group executive officer La Vergne Lehmann said the art would send a creative message of awareness.
“We talk about waste a lot in terms of finality. But in fact many of that material and waste is a resource for another use,” she said.
“Other important messages are to make good choices in purchasing by buying things that can be repaired, upcycled and recycled, not a t-shirt that you wear three times and then throw out.”
National Recycling Week is a reminder to households to check what can and can’t go in the recycling bin.
Speakers at the Rethink exhibition will share tips on zero-waste living, while a fashion parade and music will be held to celebrate opening night.
It will open at the George Farmer Building on Friday November 16 from 6pm and run until November 18.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
