Kuching, 4 June – From 24 until 31 May, Kampung Pasir Pandak become alive with colours and creativity when one unique art installation was made fully from plastic bottles. The project, under FAiR initiative, not only about making nice sculpture but also to give awareness to villagers and visitor about problem of plastic waste.
The activity was lead by UK artist, James, together with local Sarawak artist, Angelina Bong, who already well-known in the art scene here. Around 7 to 10 volunteers also join, helping from beginning until end – collecting bottle, cutting, tying and fixing all the parts until it become one big sculpture.
The final result really surprise many people. The team manage to build crocodile, Irrawaddy dolphin, finless porpoise and horseshoe crab, all using plastic bottle throw away by community. These animals chosen because they symbol of the coastal and river life around Kampung Pasir Pandak, and at the same time also reminder that many of them face danger from plastic pollution.
What make it more special is not only the sculpture, but the spirit. Villagers, young and old, work together every day – laughing, sharing story, and shaping the bottles. For many, it was first time they see rubbish can change into something beautiful and meaningful. One villager said, “This artwork show us what we always throw, but also what we can lose if environment gone. It also show what we can do when we all join hand.”
Many people also contribute their own effort. Some help in mural painting, like Nur Afinnie binti Othman, Jazlaila binti Jukernain, Syamiza binti Jeru, Dr Nana Zheng and Chen Li Li. Some involve in material preparation, such as Hana Khaleeda binti Suhardi, Sharifah Aishah binti Wan Omarshah, Sankary Devii a/p Kumanan, Alya Wafa binti Afendi, Nur Mathasa binti Sabli, Anisa binti Mohd Adib, Philip Yap Kei Hin, Cha Xing Xuan, Amelia Jaslina binti Suhardi and also Nur Aimi Athirah Binti Abdul Aziz. Others take part in installation works, including Stanley anak Jason, Darrel Xavier, Ikwan Sufyan bin Wawan Budiawan and Darren Lee anak Norman Lee Martin. Paid installation support was given by Nur Aimi Athirah Binti Abdul Aziz, Dayang binti Unus and Nur Erna Shahniza Said. Not to forget the interns also, Hendriyan bin Yusuf and Amir Syazwan, who help during the whole week.
Today, the sculpture stand proudly in Kampung Pasir Pandak as reminder of teamwork, creativity and care for environment. FAiR Project show again that protecting nature no need to be boring, it can also be fun, artistic and bring community together.