What is the connection between politics and art? Some believe that art should exist separately from the personal views of the artist, while others say that all art is inherently political. Many artists intentionally use their art to draw attention to social, economic, and political issues. While that approach might not be everyone’s cup of tea, no one can deny that art can play a pivotal role in moving the discussion of pressing problems forward. Like any contemporary art fair, SCOPE Art Show 2023 has a fair share of artworks aimed to challenge societal norms and prejudice and inspire change. Mixed-media recycled art pieces by the famous street artist and activist Bordalo II definitely fall into that category.
The Portuguese street artist Artur Bordalo, also known under his artistic pseudonym Bordalo II, has been creating brave, politically charged works for years. This summer, his name was in the international news because of his provocative installation — a “red carpet” made from large-scale €500 banknotes. Titled “The Walk of Shame,” the piece appeared on the floor of the venue in Parque Tejo, where the city was supposed to welcome Pope Francis in celebration of World Youth Day. Enraged by the absurd amount of money (around $177 million) the local government spent on the preparations for the event, Bordalo II created his installation as a form of critique.
Bordalo II is well-known for his eco-activist artwork. The street artist creates sculptures and murals in the shapes of animals from trash and plastic waste to highlight the impact of consumer culture on the environment. At SCOPE Art Show 2023 in Miami Beach, his recycled art is represented by Mazel Gallery (Brussel). Among the featured works are Bordalo’s sculpture of a lemur and a three-dimensional mixed-media painting of a lynx, the two members of the most endangered species in the world. Halves of animals’ bodies are made from bright pieces of plastic to symbolize the irreversible, harmful influence of human activity on wildlife.
You can view the unique recycled art pieces by Bordalo II at SCOPE Art Show 2023 until December 10. Don’t miss Mazel Gallery’s Booth G015!
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