“Plasticus porticus”
Recycled HDPE (#2) and PP(#5) plastics from the Botanic Garden and local households
12’ x 10’
2022
“Plasticus porticus” is a 12-foot arch created by melting recycled plastic on a vaulted steel frame. The color transitions from black to purple, red, orange, and yellow as it moves upwards, representing ideas of growth and a brighter future. Passing through the structure will provide viewers a moment to contemplate the amount of plastic in the environment and where the plastic’s life cycle might end.
Assistants:
Trevor Chan
Colin Forsyth
Paarshav Shah
Hyeseul Song
Noah Taylor
Currently on view at Chicago Botanic Garden
Photo credits: Robin Carlson ( Images 1,7) , Noah Taylor (2-6)
PROCESS:
Striation Vessels
Hand dyed recycled PET plastic
2021 - ongoing
Photography: Kate Bickel for Next:Space Detroit
Process:
Photos: Nathan Keay
Plasticus obitus III
Recycled HDPE #2 plastic and hand dyed PET plastic
2021Plasticus obitus III is the largest specimen of the obitus species. Three colorful blossoms growing towards the sun.
Assistants: Trevor Chan and Colin Forsyth
Photos: (1 & 2)Amy Rae Mathis for Next:Space; (3, 4, 5) Nathan Keay
Process:
Chicago, IL