Students from various schools in Dubai recently showcased four captivating artworks made from 250 kilograms of waste material. Led by sustainability artist Christine Iris Wilson, more than 100 students from schools like Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills and Raffles World Academy participated in workshops to create these installations. The sessions covered topics such as the circular economy, water pollution, plastic recycling, and fast fashion, incorporating hands-on techniques like button and rivet setting.
One of the installations, ‘Bridging the Gap Sculpture,’ symbolizes the transition from a linear to a circular economy and used materials like desert board, steel, and repurposed textiles. Another artwork, ‘Slow Fashion Buzz Wire,’ incorporated a 3-D perspective art and highlighted the principles of slow fashion. Students expressed their enjoyment in creating these installations and learning about recycling and upcycling to create art in a sustainable manner.
The challenges faced during the project included physical strength required to assemble moulds and the meticulous separation of different plastic types. The ‘Ocean Soundwave Bench’ and ‘Starry Badriyeh Moon Sculpture’ were other installations displayed, with the former being crafted from recycled plastic sheets and palm tree fronds. Students noted that they had learned new ways to create art sustainably, such as ironing down plastic bags to make art pieces and using aluminium foil as an electricity generator.
Industry stakeholders emphasized the long-term goal of fostering positive change in the community’s recycling practices and environmental awareness. Initiatives like these contribute to building a future generation of sustainability leaders who understand the importance of ecological balance. Through supporting educational initiatives like these, companies like Merex Investment aim to invest in future leaders of sustainability and promote a community that values environmental consciousness.
