Youngsters sculpt a tribute from discarded plastics
In a bid to highlight the growing issue of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices, the "Plastic Waste Memorial" sculpture has been installed in Kettwiger Straße's Stadtwerke park. Funded by the NRW Family Ministry, this artistic initiative serves as both an environmental statement and a call to action within the community.
The sculpture, created from collected plastic debris, visually represents the scale and permanence of plastic pollution. It encourages visitors to pause and reflect on the urgent need to reduce plastic consumption and waste. The project also explores the fusion of waste and nature, providing a unique blend of art and environmental consciousness.
Young artists from the local community collaborated with the artist to develop initial ideas for the installation. They were also engaged in the project, learning about their ability to influence societal problems through their actions. A neighbourhood walk with tongs and buckets was conducted to sensitize young artists to waste handling and city pollution. The young artists collected waste during the walk and sorted and cleaned it for the installation.
The project provided a hands-on learning experience for children and youth about the process of creating art from waste. It also aimed to educate them about the importance of waste management and the waste cycle. The project served to engage children and youth in discussions about the environment and waste management, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
The "Plastic Waste Memorial" sculpture is connected to the existing art installation series "Plastic Army" by artist Dirk Krüll, further emphasising the upcycling process and creating art from waste. The sculpture has now taken its place on the privacy screen of the Stadtwerke park, serving as a memorial for plastic waste and a powerful reminder of the impact of human actions on our environment.
- The educational aspect of the "Plastic Waste Memorial" sculpture extends to youth engagement, where they learn about creating art from waste and the importance of waste management, fostering a blend of creativity, critical thinking, and environmental consciousness.
- The fusion of art and environmental consciousness in the project doesn't only reflect on the "Plastic Waste Memorial" sculpture itself, but also in the larger context of environmental-science education and self-development, promoting awareness and action towards sustainable practices.
