Carnival 2009 provided an exciting expansion of our most versatile and topical theme in a decade: recycling! In 2008 , we transformed used plastic bags into art we mounted and carried, as well as turned into whimsical garments and accessories. This "plastic bags project" was successful far beyond our expectations. |
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| Plastic bags rightly receive bad publicity. Nevertheless, when we reclaimed all types of bags for our last project, we began to cherish them. Because we also studied the damage bags cause in the world, we realised plastic bags must eventually become part of the past, so we held our own "Requiem for the Plastic Bag". |
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| But our humble medium led to unexpected revelations. We started to savour every bag that was shredded, fused, or woven into a fabric. Before being converted into an artwork, each one was appreciated - almost treasured. Different colours achieved the status of a desired currency, especially the harder-to-find bags: those in bright, hot colours, those with candy stripes, or any with interesting characters, such as the bags from Chinese, Indian or Arabic shops and supermarkets. We loved the icon of the Tesco bag, we loved the bold blue bags of Portobello Market, and we loved the lightweight bags that fused especially well when ironed. |
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We have translated many materials into Carnival art. Because of this, we realized that last year’s transformation was very special – and that it held more possibilities, both artistic and educational. Revolutionizing a humble, ubiquitous, everyday material proved a thrill and challenge we had to continue exploring. |
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The theme around which we worked was inspired by French artist Annette Messager's Hayward Gallery exhibit "The Messengers". Our next plastic artworks will become the ghouls and creatures of young imaginations. |
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| Each breathed with its own life as the breezes stirred, whatever form it assumed: magical flora made out of pom-poms, glittering bold flag-fish, mysterious sea-creatures - or even the banners that inform and include our audience. We knew the plastic bag would again provide us with a uniquely exciting project! |
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