PAH 150A6 - Trash to Treasure: Artistic Perspectives on Waste

In a world grappling with the challenges of overconsumption and environmental degradation, the concept of waste has taken on a profound significance in the arts. Over the course of the semester, and through an immersive exploration, we consider various forms of waste arising from human activities, including household waste, food waste, disposable fashion, and less tangible aspects, like wasted space and effort. We investigate cultural and social responses from diverse communities, including initiatives such as upcycling programs, repair cafes, zero-waste lifestyles, and the rise of buy nothing communities, thrift stores, and makerspaces. Central to the course is how artists and communities observe, perceive, interpret, engage with, and draw inspiration from waste. By critically analyzing and experiencing how artists repurpose discarded materials, we gain insight into the pivotal role of art in responding to and reflecting on the challenges posed by waste in our consumerist society.