Turning Trash into Art: Bordalo II’s Journey through Creativity and Expression

In the bustling streets of Lisbon, imagine a sight that stops you in your tracks: a monumental raccoon crafted entirely from discarded plastics and tires, or a vibrant owl, its feathers pieced together from old car parts. This isn't a scene from a futuristic wasteland, but rather the compelling work of Artur Bordalo II, a Portuguese street artist who has redefined the very notion of waste. Like a modern-day alchemist, he transforms the refuse of our consumer society into breathtaking wildlife sculptures, blending the stark realities of environmental decay with the vibrant beauty of nature. 

Portuguese Artist Bordalo II

Bordalo II’s journey into this unique artistic realm began not in a junkyard, but through the lineage of his grandfather, a painter whose legacy he honors by adopting "Bordalo II" as his artistic identity. His early artistic explorations followed a conventional path, starting with painting before evolving into the dynamic world of graffiti and, subsequently, street art. A pivotal moment arrived during his studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon. His lecturers, observing the palpable depth in his two-dimensional works, remarked that his art seemed to be reaching out from the paper. This insight sparked a transformative shift, guiding him from drawing towards the tangible world of sculpting. 

Parallel to his artistic evolution was a growing awareness of the global surge in product consumption and the resulting environmental degradation. Driven by a profound desire to expose how human carelessness fuels waste production and habitat destruction, Bordalo II found his artistic principle. His ultimate goal was to compel people to reconsider their relationship with sustainability and waste. This conviction manifested most powerfully in his internationally acclaimed series, "Big Trash Animals." Herein lies the profound irony: he utilizes the very materials threatening ecosystems to create life-sized representations of endangered species. Since 2012, he has ingeniously repurposed over 60 tons of trash, turning what many deem refuse into powerful visual warnings. 

The creative process behind a "Big Trash Animal" is as unique as the art itself, demanding immense effort and time. It begins with a meticulous scavenger hunt for his primary materials. Bordalo II gathers an eclectic mix of household waste containers, plastic bottles, cigarette butts, and even discarded masks alongside industrial debris such as old tires, auto parts, pipes, and metal scraps. Once the raw materials are amassed, the construction phase begins. He first builds a robust frame, forming the skeletal structure of the chosen animal. Upon this base, he meticulously attaches and sculpts

the collected waste, shaping it to perfectly mimic the creature's form. The final touch involves painting the sculpture, often using vibrant, eye-catching colors, before it is strategically placed in its selected urban location. 

These monumental sculptures are more than mere eye candy; they are catalysts for conversation. Typically representing life-sized creatures disappearing from their natural habitats, Bordalo II chooses these animals to highlight their endangered status and underscore the critical importance of ecosystem protection. Their sheer size is deliberately impactful, designed to seize public attention. The colorful elements he incorporates further enhance their appeal. From a distance, viewers might perceive an animal's fur, feathers, or eyes with striking realism. However, as one approaches, the intricate details of the discarded trash, automobile parts, plastic shards, and other forgotten junk become strikingly apparent. It is precisely these materials, ironically, that endanger the very lives they depict. 

Bordalo II’s artwork thus creates a captivating interplay between beauty and discomfort, challenging viewers to confront the harmful impacts of overconsumption and embrace sustainable living. By placing his pieces in urban settings – on walls, in parks, or amidst side streets – he leverages public spaces as galleries for environmental activism. The use of animals as his central theme is particularly poignant, tapping into humanity's innate emotional connection with wildlife. By showcasing endangered species, he amplifies the urgency of the environmental crisis. These sculptures, impossible to ignore due to their scale, provoke a deep emotional response, prompting viewers to consider how, like these magnificent creatures, their own existence on Earth is jeopardized by our careless environmental practices. 

Beyond "Big Trash Animals," Bordalo II has continued his artistic exploration of environmental themes through other notable exhibitions. In 2017, his "Attero" exhibition, held in his working warehouse, drew nearly 27,000 visitors, showcasing a diverse collection of his trash-based animals. More recently, "EVILUTION" in Lisbon (2022) further solidified his reputation. His international reach was underscored by significant public art installations in Macau in 2023, including a towering upside-down panda symbolizing the environmental threat to wildlife. In 2024, his 15-foot-tall "Plastic Rooster" in New Bedford, USA, crafted from approximately 880 pounds of garbage, continued to hammer home the themes of waste and recycling. 

Collaboration is also a cornerstone of Bordalo II's artistic practice. He has partnered with numerous organizations and city planners, including the Green Hope Project in El Paso, Texas (2022); DATMA's 'Transform' Series in New Bedford, Massachusetts; and the El Paso Environmental Services Department for his recent mountain lion mural. These collaborations allow him to connect with diverse communities, extending the reach and impact of his environmental message. 

Bordalo II consistently pushes artistic boundaries, transforming discarded materials into large-scale animal murals that fundamentally challenge our perceptions of waste and environmental responsibility. His work seamlessly bridges the divide between street art and fine art, converting public spaces into vibrant canvases of activism. Each sculpture serves as a poignant visual reminder that the very waste destroying wildlife is intricately woven into their likeness, forging a powerful narrative on consumerism and pollution. His art transcends traditional environmental outreach, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with sustainability issues. It eloquently demonstrates that discarded materials possess inherent value, provided we rethink our approach to waste management. In essence, Bordalo II's creations stand as a creative rebellion against overconsumption, urging us to see waste not as an endpoint but as a profound new beginning for artistic expression and environmental awareness.