Recycled Plastic in South African Sculpture: Analyzing the Role of Waste Materials in Contemporary Art

Abstract

The integration of recycled plastic in South African sculpture represents a dynamic intersection of artistic innovation, environmental activism, and socioeconomic transformation. As plastic pollution continues to threaten ecosystems, artists are reclaiming discarded plastic as a sculptural medium, redefining waste as an expressive and symbolic material. This study examines the historical, cultural, and conceptual dimensions of plastic-based sculpture in South Africa, highlighting its role in addressing sustainability, consumerism, and resilience. Through an exploration of leading South African sculptors, their works, and the aesthetic and technical challenges of working with plastic, this research uncovers the broader implications of recycled plastic art in contemporary discourse. Artists such as Mbongeni Buthelezi, Eve De Jong, and Yandiswa Mazwana use plastic to critique waste culture, economic disparity, and environmental degradation, while simultaneously transforming it into a medium of beauty and activism. Their works blur the line between fine art and ecological resistance, prompting discussions on the value of discarded materials in artistic and economic frameworks. Despite its conceptual strength, plastic-based sculpture faces challenges related to technical manipulation, public perception, and market viability. While some collectors and institutions recognize the critical importance of sustainability in art, others continue to view recycled plastic as a lesser material compared to traditional sculptural forms. Future advancements in biodegradable materials, plant-based plastics, and alternative sustainable media present new opportunities for sculptors to evolve their practice while maintaining a commitment to environmental responsibility. This study concludes that South African sculptors working with recycled plastic play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around sustainability, social justice, and artistic materiality. Their work demonstrates that sculpture is not only a tool for aesthetic exploration but also a powerful medium for ecological awareness, activism, and redefinition of material value in contemporary art.