Based at Miramar C.C., the Sitges ReciclArt Exhibition presents a selection of 43 artworks by 23 creators of responsible and recycling art. Its objective is to highlight the works of artists who develop concepts such as ecology and climate change, giving rise to a reflection on the role of art in the social transformation towards a more sustainable world in environmental, social and economic aspects.
PATRICK TAGOE-TURKSON (1978 - Ghana)
Deliberate and meticulous manipulation and alteration of plastic waste and discarded rubber into stunning and vivid explosions of colour, has become the distinctive feature of Patrick Tagoe-Turkson's work. The works connect with the viewer in a manner totally unrecognizable from its original form.
Tagoe-Turkson presents flip-flops found floating in the Atlantic Ocean in Southern Ghana as "Objects of Value". For this series the mixed media artist acts as an archivist, environmentalist, a weaver, documentarian and a storyteller. The objects have undergone a transformation and appear as energy-filled, kaleidoscopic compositions in an overflowing color explosion, that is difficult to stop looking at.
JOHNSON ZUZE (1985 - Zimbabwe)
In collaboration with GAZZAMBO GALLERY Madrid
Zimbabwean sculptor Johnson Zuze began his career working with metal materials, most notably wire, and later used glass bottles and aluminum cans to enhance and reflect the color of his work. Zuze identifies himself as a spiritual artist: "My art is inspired by how Jehovah will destroy all evil things and from that wreckage create new life."
This sums up the reason and style of his work, as beauty created from discarded materials emanates from his sculptures. Wire remains a fundamental part of his work. "My interest in recycling was sparked in 2009 when my house burned down. Among the remains of that residence I collected elements such as wires, which allowed me to express myself in a moment of total desolation," reveals the sculptor.
BOUKARÉ BONKOUNGOU ( 1978 - Burkina Faso)
Boukaré Bonkoungou travels the bush in search of the right pieces of wood he needs for his creations. This natural environment inspires a new life for these inert wooden objects. They are then completed in bronze, iron and recycled objects to be transformed into amazing figurative sculptures: men, young and old, or powerful expressive animals, always reflecting the themes of nature or life in the bush and in African cities. This combination of materials deprives the bronze of the coldness and detachment that it naturally has. Vulnerability and touchability take its place.
Although Bonkoungou executes the heads of the people elementally - hairless, round heads with holes as eyes - he manages to make the scene emotional. He does this partly through the gestures and posture of his characters, partly by making the bronze look worn and by using old wood so that the materials match the ragged and shabby nature of the company.
SITGES RECICLART 2023
MIRAMAR C.C.
June 9 - July 9
OOA Gallery Barcelona
Carrer Nou 1 - 08870 Sitges, Barcelona - Spain
On the cover: In collaboration with GAZZAMBO GALLERY Madrid I Johnson Zuze
Sculptures created with metal, used glass bottles and aluminum cans
Source: Sorella Acosta
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