Transforming trash as an artistic act

Abstract

Usage of non-art objects in the artworks can be traced back to the beginning of twentieth century. This approach has broken the existing rules and extended the language of art in an unprecedented way. After that point, trash has found a place in the work of artists. The purpose of this study is to discuss usage of trash in the context of art. This thesis questions the role of art in the transformation of discarded items through the approaches and methods of artists who use discarded materials in their works. It examines why and how artists use discarded materials and how their artworks can be understood regarding theoretical and cultural aspects. This study is supported by theoretical and philosophical ideas about garbage. Within this framework, thesis project argues that it is possible to see the process of transforming trash as an artistic act. In the scope of the project, discarded papers are collected with the help people and transformed to notebooks. Progress and collected materials are recorded on a website. Notebooks are installed in non-conventional art spaces such as library desks and computer labs that are frequently visited common places in order to invite people to use trash again.