Incredible Ghanaian Artist is Crushing Plastic by Transforming it Into Stunning Art

Some people have the special ability to turn a tragic situation into something amazing.Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey is one of those people.

Clottey takes discarded plastic jugs that litter the streets of Ghana and transforms them into stunning artwork. Using the blue, yellow, and white plastic jugs, known locally as “Kufuor gallons, which were once used to transport water during Ghana’s droughts, Clottey assembles beautiful plastic tapestries. He’s been gathering the containers for more the 15 years. By cutting them into small tiles and moulding and binding them together, Clottey creates “paint-less paintings.” His tapestries also include other pieces of waste, like e-waste, wood, and more.

These jugs have invaded city streets and beyond. Clottey uses his art to draw attention to the issue and educate his community about pollution and waste. The plastic not only blocks sewers but endangers wildlife habitats as well.

With over 300 million tons of plastic materials coming into circulation every year, Clottey’s artistic vision and dedication to raising awareness is more important than ever. Sadly, only  85 percent of the world’s plastic is not recycled, which means a whole lot of plastic waste – 8.8 million tons, in fact – makes its way from land to the oceans 

every single year.

Clottey’s incredible work speaks to the intersectionality of many of the environmental issues plaguing the planet, like the connection between plastic pollution and water shortages. If you’re inspired by Clottey’s story and work, you can visit his website by clicking here. And if you happen to live in San Francisco, Clottey is exhibiting his work until 30 April at Ever Gold Projects,