She is not the first, she is not the only one. Others have already come up with the idea of creating art from trash, see here, for example. But we don’t care, because last weekend we were standing in front of the works of Michelle Beattie, who calls herself Mishvania, lives in Kommetjie and makes art out of “ocean plastic” (
mishvania_art). Luckily, we were tipped off to visit the Open Studios that take place there every year. This is an exhibition in private homes where you can view and buy works by more or less well-known artists. We didn’t get very far, but stuck with Mishvania because we think what she does is so great.
She collects her material right on her doorstep, as the beach is only a few meters away. And there are plenty of other beaches nearby. She cleans it, shapes it where necessary and then creates beautiful pictures and objects. You can tell that she trained as a graphic designer, because her work is not just beautifully colorful, but really artistically arranged.
I believe that anyone who works with this material needs a certain degree of robustness and a sense of humor. And determination: I’ll show you, you piece of shit, what you’re good for. To make it art, of course, you also need creative sensitivity and, in the best case, a mission. I see all that here.
We all know what this man-made filth is all about. If you keep your eyes open, you can see it on every corner, in every country, simply everywhere. It makes you cry, because there are alternatives. But people are used to it and simply accept it. Most of them do. What depresses me is that so few recognize the real value in an approach like Mishvania’s. Who would hang old lighters in their home? Especially as a statement and not (just) as decoration. Better an atmospheric sunset then.
However, it would be better if the artist didn’t have to create these works in the first place because the problem wouldn’t exist. We see the value, have made a small purchase and are looking forward to presenting it at home. And to talk about it, because her works are particularly suitable for that. Silence is not an option.
A few days after our visit to Mishvania, a communication goes around in the messenger of our guest rowing club that I don’t want to withhold from you. It’s no coincidence, it happens all the time. Everywhere.
Translation with the help of deepl.com
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