Toby Zallman
My art transforms toxic refuse into evocative objects of abstract seduction, that bring a sense of beauty to environmentally devastating situations and arouse cognitive dissonance in viewers. Since 2005, I have made sculptures and drawings which respond to the by-products of our society’s rampant consumerism. I want the work to incite both pleasure and a disturbing awareness of the degradation of our oceans, land and bodies. My involvement with the group, Organizing for Plastic Alternatives, has channeled some energy towards finding practical solutions to these problems. Since 1992, I have worked primarily as a materials-based sculptor, combining natural and manufactured materials to represent dualities. In recent years my art practice has evolved to include drawing, utilizing processes that incorporate conventional drawing materials with computer-manipulated images.
While there are urgent changes happening in the world at the moment between the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests and national political issues, I feel that the plastic waste problem is also urgent and has been made worse by the pandemic. It is a problem that will be with us into the foreseeable future. By using plastics or computer detritus, I show viewers our complicity in contributing to climate change, while making visually intriguing works. I am attracted to the physical qualities embodied in this waste, which provide a rich range of possibilities for transformation. I am excited by the work of Diana Cohen, Aaditi Joshi and El Anatsui in the way they bring a strong formal sense to their use of repurposed materials. The Small Works series and Ice Mountain, a work in progress, were both begun this year after the pandemic began. Because my large-scale works can take years to finish, I felt the need to be more fluid in my practice and creative on a daily basis. Each of the small works were created in a day. In addition to Ice Mountain, I am working on other modest-sized sculptures.
Small Works Group
2020
Plastic and mixed media; 18 pieces
Approximately 2.75x1.75x2.375 inches to 4x1.5x2.75 inches
What do you think is unique about your artistic process?
My work involves numerous different processes that are all determined by the materials that I am using. Recently I have been working with repurposed plastic waste. I collect the waste over months or years and need to develop methods for building the sculptures. These methods range from wrapping, binding to fusing depending on the size and nature of each piece.
Can you explain the materials you use and why you use them?
For the last seven years I have been working exclusively with repurposed plastic waste. My goal is to bring a sense of beauty to environmentally devastating situations and arouse cognitive dissonance in viewers. I want the work to incite both a sense of pleasure and a disturbing awareness of the degradation of our oceans, land and bodies.
Small Works Group (detail)
Small Works Group (detail)
What are you working on now?
In addition to making drawings I am working on 6 sculptures of different scale. I have been working on two of the large installation sculptures for roughly 3 years. One piece, "Complicit" uses only my household's waste. Another piece, a large, as yet Untitled installation piece, uses collected plastic soft packaging. The piece is roughly 10' wide now but the finished size is yet to be determined. This installation references the bleaching of the coral reefs. A more modest size sculpture is the second in the "Coral" series. It is made from plastic bags wrapped around wire. This piece will have the look of brain coral. I am also working on 3 fused plastic sculptures. One is made exclusively from plastic water bottles.
What does your art mean to you?
It is my way to creatively engage with the world. During the pandemic working in my studio has provided me a structure to my days and a sense of purpose.