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# Manmade Waste Sculptures
Human Debris by Jeremy Underwood Explores the Pervasion of Pollution

By Meghan Young | Published 2013-07-05 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-debris
References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/2013/07/02/human-debris/) & [jeremyunderwood](http://www.jeremyunderwood.com/)

The sculptures that make up the Human Debris series are so striking, it would take people by surprise that they were made with [manmade waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/by-osmosis), hence the title. While some people might be taken aback at the thought of beautifying such litter, others will see Human Debris as a natural, if unfortunate, part of life.

Created by Jeremy Underwood, an artist based in Houston, Texas, the Human Debris series explores the [environmental conditions of his city's waterways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-ecosystem-sculptures). As written on his website, "Taking reference from such artists as Andy Goldsworthy, Robert Smithson and Richard Long, this work challenges viewers to reflect upon our [consumer culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trashy), the relationship we have with our environment and the pervasion of pollution."

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.3/10
- Popularity: 70% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Eco-art:** Jeremy Underwood's Human Debris series demonstrates the potential for using manmade waste in artistic expression.
- **Upcycling:** Creating art from litter and waste promotes upcycling and encourages environmental consciousness.
- **Environmental Awareness:** Pieces like Human Debris bring greater attention to environmental concerns and our impact on the planet.

### Where This Applies

- **Art and Design:** The art world can embrace the use of unconventional materials and promote innovative techniques.
- **Waste Management:** Innovation in waste management technology and practices is essential seeing the rampant pollution and litter.
- **Environmental Advocacy:** Environmental organizations can harness art as a means of raising awareness and educating the public on environmental issues.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md)
- [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md)
- [Mask-Made Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-stories.md)
- [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md)
- [Repurposed Wooden Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darren-appiagyei.md)
- [Junkyard-Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkyard-diving.md)
- [Urban Debris-Crafted Portable Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remli.md)
- [Towering Reclaimed Wooden Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louise-durham.md)
- [Human Torso-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lene-bdker.md)
