Aug 06, 2025

8 Artists Who Turn Trash Into Masterpieces

Aanya Mehta

Subodh Gupta (India)

Famous for using tiffin boxes, steel utensils, and everyday objects to reflect Indian middle-class life and consumption.

Source: Wikepedia

Vik Muniz (Brazil)

Creates stunning portraits using trash. He featured in the Oscar nominated documentary Waste Land.

Source: Wikipedia

El Anatsui (Ghana)

His large scale installations use discarded liquor bottle caps and copper wire to create shimmering, fabric like sculptures.

Source: El Anatsui's official website

Jane Perkins (UK)

Makes detailed portraits of icons like the Queen or Van Gogh using plastic pieces, beads, and toy fragments.

Source: Jane Perkins' official website

Haribaabu Natesan (India)

Uses old circuit boards, wires, and tech junk to make expressive sculptures highlighting the impact of consumerism.

Source: Haribaabu Natesan's official twitter account

Bordalu II

Creates massive 3D murals of animals using car parts, plastics, and industrial waste, highlighting environmental destruction.

Source: Wikipedia

Aurora Robson (Canada/USA)

Transforms plastic bottles and marine debris into delicate, dreamlike chandeliers and installations.

Source: Wikipedia

Nek Chand (Chandigarh, India)

Nek Chand turned urban rubble into fantasy with his Rock Garden of Chandigarh, a sprawling sculpture park built entirely from recycled debris and discarded materials.

Source: Wikipedia

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