Unique upcycling art installation springs to life in Zagreb’s Grič tunnel

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

As part of the new UpArt project, the Pupoljci (buds) art installation has sprung up in Zagreb’s Grič tunnel, which invites reflection on the creative reuse of objects. 

The work is inspired by gentle motifs and organic forms from nature, which we strive to preserve together, while on the other hand, it is entirely made of waste objects that we burden it with every day.

This is the first in a series of interventions in public spaces through which UpArt will explore the ecological approach in art, and it is presented as part of the artistic platform Artupunktur, organised by the Zagreb Tourist Board. You can view this completely different art installation until September 25

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

UpArt is conceived as a project of sustainable art in public space that, through art installations, with a focus on recycling and upcycling objects, talks about topics that connect consumption, transformation and the environment.

It is started by Ana Mikin, who is behind a number of cultural and touristic projects, including the well-known Okolo art project, and in addition to the cultural sector, she has also been active in the field of sustainable development for years. 

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

Together with the artist Jelena Petric, who in her work prioritises used materials or those she finds in the environment, among others the winner of the Young Artist Award of the 54th Zagreb Salon, she begins this new artistic upcycling story.

“The idea was to combine ethics and aesthetics through the transformation of waste materials into a visually attractive work of art. However, we primarily wanted to explore the versatility of used objects and present them in a different light, that is, emphasise their potential for transformation into something new, useful and beautiful. To show how we can extend the life of everyday objects that no longer serve us, give them a new purpose and turn them into a medium for expressing an artistic idea with a message,”Ana Mikin and Jelena Petric said.

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

At the same time, the installation provides an overview of the consumer society and examines the sustainability and ecological impact of one’s own consumer habits in everyday life, as well as the artistic process itself. 

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

It was the latter that the author’s team paid great attention to with the aim of minimising the ecological footprint. The buds were created exclusively from discarded plastic bags and tarpaulins and unusable umbrellas that were diverted from the road to the landfill into the artist’s studio, and all the material was collected on foot or by bicycle and processed by hand, with the help of only one household appliance. 

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

Also, the installation is designed in such a way that it can be easily repurposed after exposure without creating additional waste.

(Photo credit: Leonardo Kancir)

The project is realised with the support of the Zagreb Tourist Board. The artistic installation is signed by the author’s team consisting of Ana Mikin and Jelena Petric, with the support of Marta Grbešić in the realisation. Vesna Kolarec is in charge of lighting design, and Damir Šimunović is behind the sound. 

More information: www.instagram.com/upartprojekt