Liz Larner, an American sculptor, has elevated the concept of art to a new level by looking at environmental challenges and using unconventional materials. In her work titled Each Artist Took a Breath, she utilized the breath of artists from various parts of the world and created bacterial art on petri dishes. This piece, created in 1988, was recently displayed in an exhibition that showcased its changes and transformations over time.
Turning Waste Materials into Art
Larner skillfully uses unconventional materials such as human hair, false eyelashes, and even leather for her works, and in her recent exhibition in London, A Hard Line to Bend, she focused on the use of single-use plastics. She states, "When China stopped accepting American plastics, I decided to bring these materials into my studio. It grew to such an extent that I had to hang it from the ceiling." This shift in her approach not only responds to environmental challenges but also adds a unique beauty and appeal to her works.
Inspired by Space
In today's world, where space technology is rapidly advancing, Larner continues to create her artworks inspired by NASA's images of asteroids and other celestial bodies. By using materials that seem worthless, she aims to change the audience's perception of these materials as well as issues like pollution and the environment. This innovative perspective on art demonstrates the power of breath and its impact on the creation of artistic works.
