Heshanthi Munasinha, ‘Reduced, Refused and Recycled’ 2021, Garbage and acrylic on plastic bags, 138cm x 90cm. Image courtesy- the artist.

Artist statement

‘Reduced, Refused and Recycled’ is a mixed media painting that incorporates everyday waste items collected over a period of time to depict elephants inhabiting a garbage landfill in Sri Lanka. It was created by burning and sewing garbage onto a plastic bag and overlaying it with acrylic paint. This artwork explores the issues relating to the loss of habitat that has forced elephants into uninhabitable lands where they consume waste items which eventually lead to their demise.

Instagram- @heshiscribblessometimes

Acknowledgement of Country

UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.

We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.