# Mutilated Toy Models Melting Plastic Sculptures Heat up the 'Sustainable Trash' Exhibition By Josh Mears | Published 2012-01-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melting-plastic-sculptures1 References: [ilovebelgium.be](http://www.ilovebelgium.be/sustainable-trash) No need to pour water on the wicked witch, these [melting plastic sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness) are melting all on their own. ‘Plastination,' the name of the collection,' was created by German-born artist Stefan Gross and are featured in the ‘Sustainable Trash' exhibition in Brussels Belgium. Plastination is the effect of melting plastic either in or on a subject -- in this case plastic figures. The collection is untraditional to say the least, but it is most definitely captivating. This collection of melting plastic figures can easily transport you back to a time of playing/ruining little plastic toys. All of the figurines used for Plastination were set to be thrown away and feature [classical figurines such as army men](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fisherprice-little-people-x-andre-saraiva) and my little pony type horses. The collection from the [Sustainable Trash exhibition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-exhibition) is both fascinating and funny and will allow viewers to laugh and reminise while celebrating the use of trash for art. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Melting Plastic Sculptures:** The trend of using melting plastic sculptures as a form of art is disrupting traditional sculpture techniques. - **Sustainable Trash Exhibition:** The trend of featuring art made from recycled materials is disrupting traditional art exhibitions and promoting sustainability. - **Plastination Collection:** The trend of creating art by melting and repurposing plastic toys is disrupting traditional methods of sculpting and showcasing artistic expression. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry can explore the potential of using melting plastic sculptures and recycled materials to create unique and environmentally-friendly artworks. - **Toy Manufacturing:** The toy manufacturing industry has an opportunity to innovate by repurposing and recycling damaged or unsold toys into melting plastic sculptures and other creative art forms. - **Waste Management:** The waste management industry can benefit from exploring partnerships with artists and exhibitions that promote the use of recycled materials in art, creating a new market for repurposed waste products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md) - [Recycled Collectible Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclings.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Broken-Aesthetic Sculpture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brokenaesthetic-sculpture-collection.md) - [Organic Plastic Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafting-plastic-collection.md) - [Upcycled Object Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-and-daniel-arsham.md) - [Plastic Bottle-Made Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caroline-chaptini.md) - [Recycled Plastic Decor Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastplan-design-studio.md)