Art education for sustainability: Exploring creative practices in waste-to-art transformation
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Abstract
The increasing consumption and waste generated since the Industrial Revolution have significantly disrupted the balance of natural ecosystems. Unlike nature, where waste is reintegrated into the cycle of life, human-generated waste often causes lasting environmental harm. As global sustainability challenges intensify, waste has begun to be re-evaluated not merely as refuse but as a potential resource. In contemporary art, the integration of waste materials into artistic production has emerged as a powerful response to ecological concerns. Despite this, there is a noticeable gap in the integration of waste-based creative practices within formal art education frameworks. This study investigates the role of art education in promoting sustainability through the creative reuse of waste materials. An educational exhibition titled “Transformation from Waste to Art” was developed with first-year art students enrolled in a Basic Art Education course. Over three months, students engaged in ecological research, concept development, material experimentation, and artistic production. Document analysis of the resulting artworks demonstrates how artistic practices can convey environmental messages and foster sustainable thinking. The findings highlight the transformative potential of art education in raising ecological awareness and cultivating creative responsibility among future generations.
Keywords: Art education; ecosystem; sustainability; waste.
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