We expect a thing labeled “art” to enhance our visual experience. But a Los Angeles exhibit by two artist/conspirators really is meant to ruin your view of the landscape.
Jana Cruder and Matthew LaPenta created “Natural Plasticity” as a large-scale commentary on the impact of disposable plastics in the natural environment. The public art installation replicates single-use plastic cups and bottles on a massive scale, and places them in our urban and park settings to stimulate conversation and thought around our interaction with these everyday things.
The sculpture installation begins at Pershing Square today and moves throughout the city where it will eventually make its way to the ocean—just like plastic trash does in the real world. Cruder and LaPenta hope consumers will think twice about choosing disposable plastics when they see the work.
Besides Pershing Square, the gigantic plastic replicas will eventually travel to Echo Park Lake, 6th Street Bridge and L.A. River, the Santa Monica Pier, and is slated to end up at the Two Harbors Music Festival on Catalina Island in October.
“Natural Plasticity” was created in collaboration with the city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, as part of W.A.V.E.S (World Art Vision for Environmental Sustainability), a public art collaboration between the Do Art Foundation, RVCC and Shark Allies. This is the first in a series of public artworks that will focus on environmental issues by the W.A.V.E.S project.
W.A.V.E.S. is an ongoing series of projects focused on commissioning, creating and curating public artworks that highlight and support environmental sustainability. In addressing the impact that corporate—as well as consumer—behavior has on the planet, “Natural Plasticity” looks at the products that are manufactured and marketed, and urges us to commit to conscious rather than careless consumption.
Visit the artists’ website for more information.
Photos courtesy of Cruder/LaPenta Studio and Dianna Cohen.
