The Dust Paintings series is aptly named. In addition to typical art supplies such as oil and acrylic paint, the artworks are made with dust. The dust is collected from around the artist's living space. It takes a few months to accrue since the Dust Paintings are so large. The main subject is vibrantly depicted in oil paints while the rest of the image is finished in dust that has been manipulated with a brush and coated with an acrylic sealant.
Created by Los Angeles-based artist Allison Cortson, the Dust Painting series is beautifully captivating despite being made out of dirt particles and dead skin cells. The idea behind the Dust Paintings is that "matter is mostly empty space," according to the artist's website.
Dirt-Drawn Artwork
Allison Cortson's Dust Paintings Show that Matter is Only Empty Space
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Art - Using unconventional and eco-friendly materials in art-making inspires creativity and promotes sustainability.
2. Tangible Sustainability - Artists using recycled and natural materials in their artwork promote sustainable practices and highlight environmental issues.
3. Mixed Media Usage - Artists incorporating unconventional or unexpected materials in their work not only creates unique pieces, but also provides innovation opportunities for other industries.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - There is potential for eco-friendly and sustainable art to inspire collectors, galleries, and museums to promote environmentally conscious practices.
2. Waste Management - Using materials like dust and dead skin cells in art-making sparks innovative solutions and promotes sustainable waste management practices.
3. Home Cleaning Products - Finding a new purpose for dust and promoting eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products can lead to market disruption and growth opportunities in this industry.