From ancient cave paintings to modern works that celebrate the beauty of nature, the relationship between art and nature has evolved. In Western art, nature only became a popular subject in the 17th century with two main styles: the dreamy, idealized landscapes of artists like Claude Lorrain and the more realistic depictions by Northern European artists such as Jacob van Ruisdael. Artistic movements often emerge from a desire to see the world in new ways. Today, this perspective is increasingly shaped by the urgent need to address climate change.
In a fusion of creativity and environmental consciousness, the Drybrush Gallery at SM Mall of Asia recently hosted the second annual sustainability art contest, “Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future,” held on Aug. 8.
Organized by health care and beauty chain, Watsons, the competition spotlighted the innovative spirit of 31 local artists who transformed discarded materials into powerful works of art, underscoring the importance of recycling and sustainable practices in contemporary life.
Building on the success of the previous year’s exhibit, which featured art made from materials like plastic bottles and packaging collected from various recycling initiatives, the latest competition took the concept further. Artists were challenged to reimagine waste, turning it into aesthetically compelling and thought-provoking pieces that reflected their artistic talents while raising awareness of the critical role of sustainability.
The competition attracted a diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, eco-advocates, students, and everyday mall shoppers, all drawn to the unique pieces on display. Artworks showcased a wide range of materials—recycled plastics, papers, steel, and even product packaging—each piece telling its own story about the potential for beauty in what would often be discarded.
The grand prize was awarded to Noli Española for his piece titled Alay sa Inang Kalikasan, a tribute to Mother Nature that skillfully integrated repurposed plastic packaging materials into its mixed-media composition. Runner-up Sven Wilbur Lim was recognized for his work A Cinderella Story, which utilized mixed media with resin, drawing a compelling parallel between the transformation of waste and the classic tale of transformation.
Jojo Liao, Drybrush Gallery founder and a judge for the competition, expressed his admiration for the participating artists. “The diverse range of artworks created from recycled materials not only showcases the talent of our local artists but also highlights how creativity can drive progress in sustainability,” he said.
The weeklong exhibition offered an opportunity for visitors to explore the intersection of art and sustainability. Those unable to visit the gallery in person can view the collection online through Drybrush Gallery’s website, ensuring that the message of environmental stewardship reaches a broader audience.
As sustainability becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, initiatives like this art competition serve as powerful reminders of the role that creativity and innovation can play in shaping a greener future. The event also reflects a growing movement within the art community to engage with environmental themes, using their platforms to inspire action and promote eco-conscious practices.
The display shows us that art is meant not only to reflect the world around us but also to reshape it, offering new ways to perceive and interact with the materials we often take for granted. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with waste and to consider the possibilities that lie in recycling, reimagining, and ultimately, recreating our world and ourselves for a better tomorrow.