Sayaka Ganz Makes Sculptures From Everyday Objects
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From afar, Sayaka Ganz‘s sculptures are full of motion, as if each animal was suspended mid-action and replicated with incredible detail; but upon closer inspection, each creation is a network of everyday household goods — a plastic spoon, a fragmented spatula — which forms the body of these lifelike creatures.
Ganz recycles objects that were tossed out into the garbage. The Japanese artist holds the belief that “all objects and organisms have spirits” and only uses items that she can resurrect from a landfill. Now living in Indiana, the artist collects these discarded treasures and gives them new life as they become parts of moving, inspiring animals.
“I only select objects that have been used and discarded,” Ganz explains. “My goal is for each object to transcend its origin by being integrated into an animal/organic forms that are alive and in motion. This process of reclamation and regeneration is liberating to me as an artist.”
She wants to “transmit a message of hope” through her sculptures; and does so by giving new-found utility to these otherwise useless objects. Her sculptures are not only aesthetically wonderful, but also a commentary on our disposable culture. As we burn through plastic packaging and buy new things to replace completely usable, slightly outdated things, we devalue culture. Ganz’s recollection of this “trash” meditates on the importance of valuing not only what we have, but who we are as a society.
In Ganz’s native Japanese culture, she was taught that objects discarded before the end of their usefulness “weep at night inside the trash bin.” Although this mentality could lead to a whole new generation of hoarders, there is an important message within this idea. Living out her virtues, Ganz’s sculptures are an ecological reminder of the importance of simplicity. Less is more, unless you’re building a blue whale out of old kitchen appliances.
For more information about the artist, visit her website.
