Aurora Robson, Atomista, 2017, plastic debris and tinted polycrylic, PS 50 Addition, Queens

Atomista is a hanging sculpture made entirely of reclaimed plastic that otherwise would have become garbage. The large, atom-like structure is made from industrial polyethylene barrels, also known as ‘poly drums’. These drums are used for shipping liquid food products worldwide and are not re-useable. Once the goods have been extracted, the barrels themselves enter the waste stream
 
Hanging from the giant atom are green, translucent strands of plastic debris that Robson refers to as ‘primordial moss’. These strands are made up of plastic from soda, juice, and water bottles (polyethylene terephthalate), and a few polypropylene bottle caps. The beautiful, jewel-like beads and forms represent plants and life forms growing out the atom, the building block of all matter. 

Turning what we typically think of as garbage into a sculpture celebrating life and growth, Robson intends to raise spirits and awareness around the issue of waste management.