Activist artist transforms pollution into fine art
Mbongeni Buthelezi uses waste plastic to create highly textured portraits. He hopes his art sparks discussion of plastic pollution around the world. Buthelezi, from rural Kwazulu-natal, recalled that plastic pollution played a part in the death of many of his father’s cows during his childhood. Plastic litter was so common in grazing areas that it became an unwelcome part of the cows’ diet.
“It is so fascinating to realise that I have come full circle. Instead of allowing these plastics to be everywhere, [plastic] can also be utilised somehow,” he said.
He was speaking at the Trash to Art Exhibition at Standard Bank’s 30 Baker Street Atrium in Johannesburg. In November 2023, Jozi My Jozi — a nonprofit organisation that wants to revitalise the inner city – and Standard Bank Group joined hands.
For four weeks, Jozi My Jozi and more than 500 Standard Bank Group volunteers roamed the streets of inner Johannesburg as part of a clean-up project.
The material they collected is what Buthelezi used for his artworks.
His use of waste wasn’t always in defence of the environment. He first began using plastic litter for his art because he couldn’t afford more traditional materials.
“I started working with plastics in September 1991. Very few people were involved in recycling plastics at that time,” he said.
“Everything that you see here is made out of plastic. There are almost nine layers of roofing sheeting plastic that I use as a form of canvas, and then start building up using different colours.”
At COP27, the UN climate change conference in Egypt in 2022, a series of his works was on display.