plant
Plant
2011
Electric Sockets, Air Plants
Size Variable
2011
Electric Sockets, Air Plants
Size Variable
The idea of achieving harmony between urban development and ecology is a visible crux that exists in capitalistic societies. Resources are exhaustible and this shapes how we live our lives. It also dictates the types of environmental issues we face on a daily basis. We cope with these limitations by making more responsible ecological choices that improves the efficiency in which we consume energy.
Many devices such as electrical sockets and disposable tools are designed to enhance our lives. Electrical sockets help facilitate better usage of appliances and disposable tools allows us to spend time on more important things without having to worry about the clean up.
While these devices are advertised as useful and convenient, one can argue that it seems to create a paradox. Are these devices truly helping save our environment? Consider the traffic problem in big cities as an analogy. Does building more roads help reduce a city's traffic problem? Building more roads does not necessarily resolve the traffic problem. We need to consider the number of vehicles that are on these roads. If the consumption is not controlled, it will only lead to more road construction and the problem quickly worsens and becomes cyclical.
It becomes evident that without self-initiative and the will to change how we utilize our resources, the situation will not improve. Employing these devices merely patches the problem and is not a sustainable solution. This leads to the development of my artwork showcasing the alternative usage of an electrical socket.
This project aims to express the need to save the planet, we should focus on reducing the usage of resources rather than merely finding a “shortcut” which is not a proper solution and may lead worsen the situation.
Non-functioning electrical sockets are collected and then their original functions were modified. These sockets will be turned into plant pots. Tillandsia (air plant), which normally grows without soil will be grown in these sockets. The installation presents the result of my project that collected and presents about 40 pieces of these Air Plant Sockets.
Many devices such as electrical sockets and disposable tools are designed to enhance our lives. Electrical sockets help facilitate better usage of appliances and disposable tools allows us to spend time on more important things without having to worry about the clean up.
While these devices are advertised as useful and convenient, one can argue that it seems to create a paradox. Are these devices truly helping save our environment? Consider the traffic problem in big cities as an analogy. Does building more roads help reduce a city's traffic problem? Building more roads does not necessarily resolve the traffic problem. We need to consider the number of vehicles that are on these roads. If the consumption is not controlled, it will only lead to more road construction and the problem quickly worsens and becomes cyclical.
It becomes evident that without self-initiative and the will to change how we utilize our resources, the situation will not improve. Employing these devices merely patches the problem and is not a sustainable solution. This leads to the development of my artwork showcasing the alternative usage of an electrical socket.
This project aims to express the need to save the planet, we should focus on reducing the usage of resources rather than merely finding a “shortcut” which is not a proper solution and may lead worsen the situation.
Non-functioning electrical sockets are collected and then their original functions were modified. These sockets will be turned into plant pots. Tillandsia (air plant), which normally grows without soil will be grown in these sockets. The installation presents the result of my project that collected and presents about 40 pieces of these Air Plant Sockets.
Weekend Weekly Magazine
issue638
28 November 2011