Consumable

Over one tonne of electronic waste is produced globally every second. Consumable plays on the matter of waste and our waste of matter using anamorphic forms to heighten social awareness and recognition of the importance of recycling.

The installation begins with a vaguely recognisable but abstracted group of illuminated sculptures. The ‘arrows’ are expressed as three lightboxes, detailed and designed to feel like a common handheld device. Contained within the sculptures are a series of cracked phone and tablet screens, representing discarded technology. LED strip lighting is diffused through the damaged displays, with light catching and refracting off the imperfections. Not long ago, mobile phones were sought after possessions. After a moment of euphoria, we grow tired of them, and set our sights on the next big thing just over the horizon.

On approach, the arrows may combine into clear focus for an instant, revealing the universally recognisable recycling symbol, visible from one vantage point. As visitors come closer and move around the work, the perspective of the symbol continues to warp, becoming increasingly fragmented and abstracting with movement. This reduces the icon to three uniquely distorted objects, exaggerated in perspective and splayed dynamically in opposing directions. They no longer work in harmony, spilling into the environment.

This ingenious light sculpture asks what we can all do to reduce consumption and minimise global e-waste production.