Freight and Barrel 2004, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, crushed plastics
One of my new favorite eco artists.
Many of his sculptures consist of re-used trash items such as auto parts, shoes, bottles, newspapers, and cans which he then bundles up into a neat mass. His sculptures are almost like a big slap in the face to our consumer habits, of which we are all guilty (Yes, I'm talking to you too, recycling and reusable bag fanatics). I know this kind of art is controversial. Is it really art? Or is it a socio-political statement? Can it be both? I personally don't tend to focus on big statements about controversial issues in my art because I'm not interested in creating debate. I'm more interested in provoking personal thought and creating a relationship between the viewer and the artwork. But I appreciate artists like Siegel for their desire to confront their audience and address real issues.
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