# Golden Upcycled Art Barclay Douglas Uses Plastic Bags to Make Fools Gold By Jessica Marcel | Published 2010-03-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fools-gold References: [art-milk](http://art-milk.com/barclay-douglas/) & [barclaydouglas](http://barclaydouglas.com/art_foolsgold2.html) 'Fools Gold' is a piece by artist Barclay Douglas that makes an [abstract consumerism statement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachtopia-1) using [repurposed plastic bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-coenen-1). Douglas took the bags, basically destroyed them, stuck them on a board and then [painted them gold](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-in-gold). The end product is a more complex statement than it is a complex aesthetic creation. For more of Barclay Douglas' work besides 'Fools Gold,' check out his other pieces on his site. **Implications** - As today's industry continues to usher in cutting-edge and advanced technologies at an unprecedented rate, many consumers are seeking out products that bear simpler and less complicated products. Businesses that offer products that are more reflective of simpler times will see great returns. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Simpler Products:** Opportunity for businesses to offer products that are more reflective of simpler times. - **Upcycled Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to explore creative ways of repurposing materials, like plastic bags. - **Abstract Consumerism:** Trend towards artistic statements that challenge traditional consumerist ideals. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** Opportunity for artists to create unique pieces using upcycling techniques and making statements about consumerism. - **Fashion:** Industry can explore upcycling and sustainable design practices to meet the demand for simpler and eco-friendly products. - **Home Decor:** Market for upcycled art and furniture that offers a unique and eco-conscious alternative to traditional home decor products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Found Objects-Formed Art Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aldgate-gold.md) - [Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic.md) - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [Dynamic Upcycled Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bolibana.md) - [Recycled Bar Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-installation.md) - [Statement Bangle Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/statement-bangle-collection.md) - [Plastic-Made QSR Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-canada-art-series.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md)