MEZPLASTA
Is an art installation that reflects on the omnipresence of plastic in our lives, as well as the forms of this omnipresence. Derived from the Greek verb plassein, which means “to mold,” plastic is part of our lives in a fluid way, molded by and molding a myriad of aspects of our modern existence.
The idea of fluidity, of ephemeral passage of plastic through various states and senses, is represented in the very exterior of the installation and its relation with the cloister. Its industrial aspect, as a building site, a work in progress, of something in eminent transformation.
But also the installation’s process was approached with this attitude in mind. The PVC pipes, as well as the polyethylene ground plastic, that form the framed landscape and furniture were returned to their respective industries, and re-emerge with yet a new life.
The material was here seized in a state of suspension, in-between something useful and objectual, and a raw material (almost like an ore) that will be later used for another completely new purpose.
This relocation of an industrial process, which normally happens out of the sight, highlights plastic as a raw, unobjectifiable presence and questions its value as matter.
A space is created in which we are immersed by the imposing and mysterious presence of plastic so that, in line with the broader contents of the exhibition, that provokes and questions us, we try to give plastic the agency to question us as well.
Project type: Installation
Site: Museu de Leiria, Leiria
Date: June, 2019
Duração: 2 weeks
Main project: Exposição Plasticidade – Uma História dos Plásticos em Portugal
Promotor: Câmara Municipal de Leiria
Photography: Colectivo Til
Design/Construction: Colectivo Til
Partners: Micronipol, Sival.