Creativity and sustainability converge at the second annual 'Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future' competition From ancient cave paintings to modern works that celebrate the beauty of nature, the relationship between art and nature has evolved. In Western art, nature only became a popular subject in the 17th century with two main styles: the dreamy, idealized landscapes of artists like Claude Lorrain and the more realistic depictions by Northern European artists such as Jacob van Ruisdael. Artistic movements often emerge from a desire to see the world in new ways.
Today, this perspective is increasingly shaped by the urgent need to address climate change. In a fusion of creativity and environmental consciousness, the Drybrush Gallery at SM Mall of Asia recently hosted the second annual sustainability art contest, “Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future,” held on Aug. 8.
Organized by health care and beauty chain, Watsons, the competition spotlighted the innovative spirit of 31 local artists who transformed discarded materials into powerful works of art, underscoring the importance of recycling and sustainable practices in contemporary life. Building on the success of the previous year’s exhibit, which featured art made from materials like plastic bottles and packaging collected from various recycling initiatives, the latest competition took the concept further. Artists were challenged to reimagine waste, turning it into aesthetically compelling and thought-provoking pi.