A Labyrinth of Plastic Waste / Laberinto de Residuos Plasticos. Shanghai 2023.

From the vibrant streets of Madrid to cities across the globe, the anonymous art collective Luzinterruptus, has been painting the world with their luminous creations for about 15 years. Known for their temporary light-based installations crafted from recycled materials, this Spanish-origin ensemble often draws inspiration from environmental concerns. Their art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about sending a powerful, tangible message. Deeply rooted in their philosophy is the intention “to bring attention, in a visual sensory manner, to our unsustainable consumption of plastic.”

Luzinterruptus’s most recent installation in Shanghai, China, offers yet another striking commentary on the environment and our individual role in it. This monumental piece sprawls expansively across a popular public space, and its physical dimensions alone are enough to make a passerby pause and reflect. Made up of thousands of discarded plastic bottles, illuminated from within, the installation is a testament to human creativity and a stark reminder of our plastic consumption habits. It creates an immersive experience where the beholder is surrounded by the very remnants of daily human consumption, transformed into a glowing spectacle.

Reflecting on this project and its evolution, the artists remarked in their press release, “The first time we made this piece was in Poland in 2014. We were trying to raise awareness of the need for recycling. However, ten years later, it is clear that we must stop using it altogether.” This statement not only underscores the longevity of the issue but also the shifting perceptions regarding the solutions to plastic waste.

The collective hopes that the Shanghai installation will not just be a fleeting moment of beauty but a catalyst for change in policy and behaviors. Their ambition is for viewers to not only appreciate the aesthetic appeal but also to ponder on the more profound implications. How many bottles do we use and discard daily? How can urban spaces be repurposed to send powerful social messages?

As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of waste management and environmental conservation, Luzinterruptus’s art installations may offer a glimmer of hope, but some may feel that hope is fading. By transforming public spaces into arenas of reflection and activism, conscious artists invite us all to be part of the dialogue and, more importantly, the solution.

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