Art exhibition puts spotlight on reusable materials

A Somerset art exhibition is exploring how artists can re-use and repurpose materials in their art. 

The exhibition, ‘Re-Use, Re-Think, Re-Imagine’ is based at Make, a Somerset gallery owned and run by international gallery Hauser & Wirth.

The exhibition features 54 different pieces using a range of materials from glass to ceramics to furniture.

"Sustainability, environmental considerations and the exploration of new materials are themes which many makers have long been engaged with. Even before the more recent, topical concerns," said Jacqueline Moore, curator and director of Make.

"The exhibition seeks to continue and broaden the dialogue and to reveal new possibilities for materials, methods and techniques.”

Work featured in the exhibition includes that of designer Gavin Keightley, who used hardened food such as couscous and mashed potato to make his textured stools and cabinets instead of relying on plastic in the production process.

The exhibition seeks to continue and broaden the dialogue and to reveal new possibilities for materials, methods and techniques

Other pieces in the exhibition are a result of repurposing used plastic rather than avoiding its use. One example of this is James Shaw’s use of recycled high-density polyethylene which he made into corrugated tubular shapes to form a six-pronged light. Another featured designer, Juli Bolaños-Durman, used a combination of discarded glass with her own handblown glass to create unique, engraved sculptures.

Re-Use, Re-Think, Re-Imagine is open at the Make gallery in Bruton, Someset, until 1st January 2020.