Jeffrey Allen Price, a multi-media and interdisciplinary installation artist based in New York, has created a myriad of maps using a very unorthodox material: used sponges. Since he used a large collection of the common kitchen product, each piece ranges in color and texture, resulting in something quite akin to a patchwork quilt.
Currently, Jeffrey Allen Price has created maps of the world as a whole, Manhattan, the United States and even one for Japan to raise money for the tsunami and earthquake relief effort. Jeffrey Allen Price was initially inspired to create a U.S.A. map out of used sponges, stating, "It was a kind of metaphor for American being used up and dirty. I wanted every sponge to be different."
Sponge-Made Maps
Jeffrey Allen Price Renders the World Using a Common Kitchen Product
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Art - Using unconventional materials to create art pieces, which is more environmentally friendly and can provide opportunities for innovative designs and functional art.
2. Sustainable Maps - Creating eco-friendly maps made of recyclable materials, such as sponges or other everyday items, which can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and reduce waste.
3. Social Support - Using art as a tool to raise funds and awareness for social causes, which can bring attention to global issues and inspire positive change.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Utilizing unconventional materials and sustainable practices can open opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly art pieces, creating a niche market for environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Fundraising and Charitable Organizations - Partnering with artists and art exhibitions can create new channels of fundraising opportunities and raise awareness for social causes.
3. Tourism - Incorporating sustainable art installations or using large-scale upcycled materials such as sponges can create unique and eye-catching destinations for tourists.