Waste and Work, 2024
Victoria, Australia
Mixed Media Installation
By Dae Gibson and Jon Matthieu
Waste and Work is an intervention that challenges perceptions of waste management on at Deakin University. Gibson and Matthieu placed three cardboard boxes atop a recycling bin, deliberately obstructing its opening to invite reflection and participation from students and staff. This simple yet provocative act transformed the familiar recycling bin into a site of engagement and dialogue about collective responsibilities toward waste.
Participants were encouraged to add their waste to the installation rather than using the designated bin, the resulting composition became an unexpected abstract sculpture. Each piece of discarded material, while seemingly mundane, was carefully balanced atop the cardboard boxes and other refuse. This interplay of items highlights the diverse range of waste produced and raises questions about value, intention, and the environmental impact of everyday choices.
The resulting structure serves as a visual metaphor for the complexities of consumption and disposal in modern life. It prompts viewers to consider the stories behind each piece of trash: moments of joy, the convenience of consumerism, and the consequences of neglecting the environment. Through this intervention, Gibson and Matthieu aim to spark conversations about sustainability, responsibility, and the urgent need for a shift in how society approaches waste.
Ultimately, Waste and Work invites participants to reflect on their own habits and the collective effort required to create a more mindful relationship with the environment. It is not just an artwork, but a call to action, encouraging a reconsideration of impact and a more thoughtful engagement with the world around us.