Indonesian mixed media artist Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo has created Leftover #4. These are resin sculptures where he has repurposed waste and byproducts from his synthetic resin paintings along with his own organic food waste into abstract forms.
In Leftover #4 he has encased both his kitchen waste and his studio waste into a synthetic resin abstract sculpture, whose base material is plastic. The piece has upcycled his trash and addressed a global food waste problem, all while also creating a poignant commentary on the lasting impact that plastic has on human life. This process reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production and Zero Hunger.
Sunaryo’s Leftover #4 is made by encasing his kitchen waste and art studio waste in synthetic resin, whose basic material is plastic. Plastic is also one of the planet’s largest polluters, causing everything from alterations to habitats and organisms’ bodies to contributing to climate change and affecting people’s livelihoods and well-being.
By encasing his art studio waste and kitchen waste in plastic, Sunaryo reminds his viewers of how the choices they make to use plastic in their workplace and in their consumption of food and beverages have the potential to create lasting impact on the environment.
By encasing his food waste in plastic, Sunaryo is also bringing attention to the relationship between food waste and the plastic pollution crisis. The 2021 Food Waste Index Report by the United Nations Environment Programme shows that if global food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet.
When food is wasted or discarded, people are also wasting all of the resources put into making that food, including a massive amount of single-use plastic from the food production and packaging process.
A 2022 report from the British charity WRAP also found that the sale of fresh produce wrapped in single-use plastic with “best before” dates creates over 10,000 tons of yearly plastic waste and $3 billion worth of food waste in the UK alone. This is the imperative message that Sunaryo’s piece wishes to convey so that the general public can make better choices around single-use plastic and their food and beverage consumption habits.
Sunaryo’s piece, which transforms plastic and food waste into a work of art, also practices a circular economy: an economic system that only works when materials or products are reused or regenerated. These range from trash or discarded material to something that has resale value.
The circular economy is also considered to be a more environmentally friendly economic system since it calls for a reduction of waste within the production and consumption of goods. Hence, the further importance of Sunaryo’s piece.
In conclusion, Sunaryo’s piece Leftover #4 prompts his viewers to reflect on their own choices regarding plastic use and food waste. The piece highlights the urgent need to address the global issues on a personal level, boldly stating that everyone can make a contribution, no matter how small, to create a sustainable future for the planet and for humankind.
See more of Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo's work on his Instagram @arinsunaryo.