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Mulyana Transforms Plastic Yarn and Netting into Arresting Ocean Textures

This post was originally published on Colossal

From thousands of plastic bags, nets, and hanks of yarn, Indonesian artist Mulyana (previously) illuminates the fragility of marine ecosystems.

In his solo exhibition Remembering Our Collective Future at Sapar Contemporary, the artist has incorporated recyclable materials and distilled the palette to white, evoking a symbol of purity and drawing attention to the consequences of human impact on our oceans, such as coral bleaching.

“Betty 21” (2024), plastic yarn, plastic net, and cable wire, 82 5/8 x 76 3/4 x 13 3/4 inches

Curated by John Silvis, the show invites viewers to reflect on the effects of the climate crisis and the critical importance of environmental preservation. Photographs by Ign Raditya Bramantya highlight a living, breathing embodiment of coral as it traverses the city streets, bringing the ocean to daily life.

Mulyana painstakingly twists, knots, and wraps plastic netting, cable wire, and plastic yarn into sculptures and wall hangings resembling coral and cartoonish sea creatures.

Running concurrently at the Charles B. Wang Center at SUNY Stony Brook, an exhibition of the artist’s vibrant yarn works showcases costumes and characters inspired by marine life. Yarnscapes: Mulyana’s Environmental Tapestries presents a playful counterpoint to the monochrome pieces, nevertheless urging us to remember and evaluate our relationship to our oceans.

Remembering Our Collective Future runs from October 22 to November 20 in New York City, coinciding with Yarnscapes in Stony Brook through December 10. Find more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

Photo by Ign Raditya Bramantya
Photo by Ign Raditya Bramantya
Detail of “Betty 25” (2024), plastic yarn, plastic net, and cable wire, 74 3/4 x 78 3/4 x 13 3/4 inches
“Betty 28” (2024), plastic yarn, plastic net, and cable wire, 86 5/8 x 86 5/8 x 13 3/4 inches
Photo by Ign Raditya Bramantya
Detail of “Betty 26” (2024), plastic yarn, plastic net, and cable wire, 65 x 51 1/8 x 13 3/4 inches

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Mulyana Transforms Plastic Yarn and Netting into Arresting Ocean Textures appeared first on Colossal.

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Australasian Waste Recycling Expo debuts as ReGen at ICC

Australasian Waste Recycling Expo debuts as ReGen at ICC

Australia’s circular resource exhibitors, buyers and thought leaders are set to attend ReGen | Australia’s Circular Resource Expo, taking place on 23–24 July 2025 at ICC Sydney.

The two-day trade event, organised by Diversified Australia, marks the evolution of what was previously known as the Australasian Waste Recycling Expo, a longstanding brand dedicated to resource management and waste reduction for over 15 years.

The rebrand to ReGen reflects the expo’s expanded scope and emphasis on the circular economy, welcoming an array of innovative exhibitors, experts and emerging professionals committed to reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency and fostering sustainable markets.

“At Diversified Australia, we’re proud to produce events that drive positive industry change,” said Ali Lawes, event director for ReGen at Diversified.

“ReGen embodies our commitment to equip and empower industry leaders and practitioners in support of Australia’s ambitious 2035 targets for waste elimination, resource circulation, and pollution reduction.”

ReGen will showcase technical displays, offer vital industry insights and feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

The program aims to help attendees — from seasoned experts to newcomers — navigate their roles in creating a circular economy that keeps resources in use, minimises waste and regenerates natural systems.

As part of its evolution, ReGen will incorporate Circularity, Australia’s original circular economy conference, into its 2025 education program.

Since its launch in 2022, Circularity has served as a platform for industry practitioners to discuss Australia’s transition to a circular economy.

Now integrated into ReGen, Circularity will reach a broader audience, offering free sessions on topics such as circular product design and sustainable waste management — ensuring these critical insights remain accessible to all attendees.

For the last three years Circularity has been proudly presented by Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Hub in partnership with Diversified Australia.

Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling said that integrating the country’s leading circular economy event into ReGen would offer even more impactful opportunities to drive Australia’s circular transition.

“The inclusion of Circularity into ReGen is a significant step forward in promoting circular economy principles on a national scale in collaboration with the waste and recycling industry,” Gilling said.

“At Planet Ark, we are thrilled to see Circularity evolve into a broader platform, ensuring critical conversations about sustainable resource management and circular product design reach more professionals and innovators than ever before. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in building a circular Australia.”

The expo’s name, ReGen, represents both the regenerative practices it champions and the generational transformation required to meet sustainability goals.

ReGen invites participants to “Rethink, Redesign, Repurpose, and Renew” as they contribute to a circular and sustainable future for Australia.

For more information and to register, visit regenexpo.com.au

Image credit: iStock.com/izusek

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