Every day we generate more and more waste and the panorama does not stop. Such is the point that has created a new conception of art known as junk art. This type of art is based on artistic expression using materials and objects that are considered waste. To exhibit all this type of art, garbage museums were born. There are numerous garbage museums distributed throughout the world.
In this article we are going to tell you which are the most important garbage museums in the world and their characteristics.
The art of trash
Trash art is a form of artistic expression that involves the creation of works using materials and objects considered discarded or of no apparent value. Although it may sound contradictory, this type of art seeks to transform what is commonly is considered insignificant or disposable in something of aesthetic and conceptual value.
It is characterized by its focus on the reuse and recycling of materials. Artists working in this style often collect objects found on the street, in landfills or industrial waste, and then incorporate them into their artworks. These materials can include everything from metal and wood fragments to plastics, glass, textiles and even organic elements such as leaves and branches.
Some artists use these materials to create works that reflect on consumerism, waste, and the relationship between humanity and the environment. Others seek to explore social, political or cultural issues through the recontextualization of everyday objects.
One of the advantages of the art of trash It is its accessibility. Unlike other art forms that require expensive materials or specialized techniques, anyone can participate in this practice by simply using what they find around them. This democratizes artistic creation and allows people from different backgrounds and cultural contexts to get involved in the creative process.
In addition to its conceptual aspect, it is characterized by its improvised and eclectic aesthetics. The works may have a chaotic or disordered appearance, but they can also convey a sense of beauty and harmony through the unexpected combination of materials and shapes.
In the contemporary sphere, Trash art has gained recognition and acceptance in the art world. Many museums and galleries display works by artists working in this style, and some institutions have even established residency and fellowship programs to support creators who engage in this practice.
Garbage museums in the world
The Garbage Museum (Stratford, USA)
In 1994, a groundbreaking museum was created in Stratford, Connecticut, the first of its kind. Its main objective was to educate and inform visitors about waste management practices while providing them with a unique opportunity to witness the sorting of recyclable materials. One of the museum's most notable attractions was the famous "Trash-o-saurus", an impressive dinosaur sculpture made entirely from discarded objects. Unfortunately, due to insufficient financial support, the museum was forced to close its doors in 2011.
The Waste Museum in Ibadan (Nigeria)
Located in Ibadan, Nigeria's second largest city, the Garbage Museum stands as a pioneering institution in Africa. Its creation is attributed to Jumoke Olowookere, a Nigerian art teacher, who recognized the growing tendency of Nigerians to use waste materials for artistic and fashion purposes. The museum serves as a platform to shed light on the harmful effects of waste on the environment. Oloookere's personal experience of generating a significant amount of garbage in her kitchen inspired her to establish this museum, which came into existence last year.
Museum made from plastic garbage in Gresik (Java, Indonesia)
In the city of Gresik, located in East Java, the NGO Ecological Observation and Conservation of Wetlands of Indonesia (ECOTON) has built a remarkable museum entirely from plastic waste collected in the surrounding area. The objective of this innovative project, completed in 2021, is to effectively educate local people about the important environmental consequences caused by plastic pollution.
To achieve this, more than 10.000 discarded plastic objects, from bottles and bags to straws and containers, were meticulously collected from nearby rivers and beaches. Among the museum's captivating exhibits is a captivating sculpture of Dewi Sri, the revered Javanese deity associated with prosperity, which was skillfully crafted from single-use bags.
Morón Garbage Museum (Argentina)
On the western outskirts of Buenos Aires is the town of Morón, where the Garbage Museum is located. Established in 2016 by the NGO Abuela Naturaleza, this museum is committed to educating people of all ages about the environment. Its various facilities aim to promote the notion that waste should be considered a valuable good, while offering recreational spaces and educational workshops.
The Plastic Museum (Madrid)
The Plastic Museum, built entirely of plastic with the intention of encouraging recycling, made history as the first museum of its kind. From May 8 to 16, 2021, This temporary museum stood proudly in Madrid's Plaza de Juan Goytisolo, next to the renowned Reina Sofía Museum. However, on May 17, World Recycling Day, the museum was dismantled with the purpose of reusing and recycling its materials.
This innovative initiative, led by EsPlásticas, a platform that represents the plastics industry in Spain, aimed to demonstrate the recovery and recycling potential of the wide range of plastics currently used. To gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable effort, watch the video below:
The SOS Waste Museum in Morelia (Mexico)
The birth of this waste museum can be attributed to the Sanitary, Organic and Separated (SOS) program initiated by the Morelia city council in Mexico back in 2015. The main objective of this museum is to instill in the public the importance of separating waste in a way that facilitates recycling. Divided into four distinct sections, the museum It offers workshops, conferences, guided tours and even has a charming small garden.
Hatillo Recycling Museum (Puerto Rico)
Two years after its conception in 2016, the Hatillo Recycling Museum materialized in northern Puerto Rico. Its inaugural exhibition, titled “Plasticuario,” shed light on the detrimental effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. The main objective of the museum is to inform people about the concept and practice of recycling, emphasizing its role in achieving an economic cycle and the fight against climate change. To fulfill this mission, the museum offers a variety of educational exhibits and workshops.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about trash art and what important museums exist.