Two Indian artists, Manveer Singh (aka Plasticvalla) and Smriti Dixit, are creating artworks from discarded materials to address environmental degradation. Singh transforms multi-layered plastic waste into sculptures inspired by local landscapes and folk traditions, such as a snow leopard for Spiti Valley and a landfill-inspired piece for Delhi. Dixit finds her practice meditative, while other young artists like Anuja Dasgupta and Mrugen Rathod recently exhibited at the 'Sustaina' exhibition using recycled materials like agricultural waste and discarded hotel textiles. Additionally, Tara Lal's Aranyani Pavilion, made from invasive Lantana Camara wood, was displayed at Sunder Nursery to promote forest restoration.
This article matters because it highlights a growing movement within the Indian visual art world that merges creativity with environmental activism. By repurposing waste into art, these artists challenge societal neglect of pollution and climate change, making sustainability a central theme in contemporary art. The piece also underscores how local traditions and ecological issues are being integrated into artistic practice, offering a model for art that is both culturally relevant and globally urgent in addressing the climate crisis.