Entrapment is a sculpture that explores landfills and how compacted plastic might look after an extended period of time. This piece delves into the excessive use of single use plastics such as LDPE plastic that are non-recyclable and how this is compacted in landfills.
The internal framework of the sculpture was built using four metal rods that held the chicken wire in place, providing support for the wax-covered plastic and preventing it from collapsing. The wooden pallets that I had gathered were utilised for the base, providing additional stability. The base was burned and sanded and then treated with a layer of furniture wax to protect it from moisture. The total dimensions of the structure are 1 meter in height, with a width of 30 centimetres and a depth of 40 centimetres.
In my quest to find suitable materials that would satisfy the criteria I had in mind, as well as being environmentally friendly, I discovered that the primary source of candle wax is either plant or animal based, and thus possesses a high level of biodegradability. Given this fact, I concluded that this would be the ideal material for my sculpture.
The wax that encases the sculpture and served as a protective layer, preserving it in its final form before they were covered in wax. Additionally, the wax allows viewers to peer through the thin layer, revealing what was encased inside. Unexpected outcome was the texture that the was created over the layered plastic accentuating any creases and raised areas of the surface. This work is a reminder that nothing stays hidden that societies consumer culture will be uncovered in the future.
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