Students at Chelsea College of Art have become concerned with the green agenda. They are hosting ‘Now, New, Far’, an exhibition that aims to draw attention to the “negative impact of material waste pollution” and to “raise awareness of the problem and find sustainable solutions”. Interactive structures made from discarded materials such as plastics, textiles and furniture, according to the organisers, should be a tangible manifestation of this message.
For example, the sculpture “Hypocrisy Chair”, created by the Makin Stuff group, represents what the Earth will look like if we do not take action to migrate global warming hence. Visitors are invited to sit down on the design object and think about what’s important. In order to get the right ideas and conclusions into their heads, the authors accompany the interaction with the chair with a minute-long disturbing soundtrack that deliberately throws people into discomfort. Using auditory stimulation in headphones, the designers call for a change in everyone’s lifestyle to a more environmentally friendly one.
The installation by Messmates calls for combating the pandemic of loneliness and countering the masses of food waste. According to the authors, this goal can be achieved by creating communities of like-minded young people and educating local restaurants about the harmfulness of takeaway work.
Another exhibit is the work of Trash Couture, a group that is poised to lead a fashion revolution and begin recycling discarded materials into wearable art. The group challenges disposable fashion, calling for a shift towards conscious consumerism, and emphasises environmental awareness amongst clothing buyers. Trash Couture’s work combines creativity with green activism.
The authors of Dendro are also in favour of harmony between nature and technology. Their stated mission is to encourage people to think positively about nature and its relationship with technology in order to find solutions to climate problems.
The authors of The Microplastic cycle explored the destructive impact of microplastics on the marine world. The mix of bright colours and artificial materials in the designers’ installation represents the destruction of the beauty of the marine world by human hands. The life of the ocean is being killed, displaced by eternal and brightly coloured plastic.
‘Now, New, Far’ reflects environmental and ecological problems from different angles. And although young designers can not completely reverse the damage done to our planet, their active position is evident! This means that the degradation of the environment and man as a component of it will be postponed for some time.
Exhibition dates: 7-12th December, 2023 Triangle Space, Chelsea College of Arts 16 John Islip St, London, SW1P 4
