Sayaka Ganz, a Japanese-born artist, transforms discarded plastic items into breathtaking sculptures and assemblages that capture the essence of movement and life. Her work is a striking commentary on environmental conservation, repurposing plastic utensils, toys, and other tidbits that would otherwise contribute to waste. Ganz’s sculptures range from 18 inches to over eight feet in length and can incorporate up to 500 pieces of reclaimed junk, each meticulously placed to create life-like forms.
Ganz’s recent works are particularly notable for their dynamic portrayal of animals in motion, rich in color and energy. She describes her style as “3D impressionism”, where the plastic objects serve as brush strokes that reveal their true form upon closer inspection. These sculptures are not only visually stunning but also carry a powerful message about the importance of recycling and the potential for beauty in what is often overlooked as trash.
When the viewers get up close to my sculpture, it becomes apparent that these animals are made of plastic kitchen items and other household objects. You might even have the same identical spoon or spatula in your kitchen drawer. Upon further inspection viewers may notice that many of the objects are stained or bent, because these are all second hand items bought from thrift stores and collected from friends and family. I call my style “3D Impressionism”. I use plastic objects like brush strokes in a painting by Van Gogh. The plastic items are my collaborators, and they inform the aesthetic decisions I make as well as educate me about environmental issues.
Sayaka Ganz
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Bored Panda).
