# Face-Replaced Trash Photography 'Republic of Pulau Semakau' Explores Individual Garbages By Meghan Young | Published 2012-03-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/republic-of-pulau-semakau References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/2012/03/16/republic-of-pulau-semakau/) & [awzinkie](http://awzinkie.com/) People's garbage tells others quite a lot about them and the 'Republic of Pulau Semakau' photo series creatively illustrates this observation. It goes as far as covering a person's face with their very own trash bin, showing just how much of their identity is tied up to their garbage. Shot by artist Zinkie Aw, the Republic of Pulau Semakau series centers around Singapore residents. Showcasing people hiding behind their dustbins, these portraits explore the importance of their contents as well as each individual's impact on the environment. Captured in their home or place of work, the viewer is given even more context to their way of life. Republic of Pulau Semakau was displayed at the Goodman Arts Centre Gallery earlier this month. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Garbage Identity:** Exploring the connection between an individual's identity and the contents of their personal garbage can lead to opportunities for personalized waste management solutions. - **Trash Photography:** The use of trash as a tool for creative and impactful photography presents opportunities for marketing campaigns, environmental awareness, and artistry. - **Environmental Impact Portraiture:** Creating portraits of individuals with their trash cans can inspire new ways of thinking about personal environmental impact, and open doors to environmentally-friendly product innovation. ### Who This Affects Most - **Waste Management:** An individual's garbage is a representation of their identity, leading to opportunities to provide personalized waste management solutions for consumers. - **Photography:** Trash can be used as a tool for creating impactful and thought-provoking photography, leading to opportunities for environmental awareness campaigns and artistry. - **Consumer Goods:** The examination of an individual's garbage cans can inspire new environmentally-friendly product innovations in response to consumer behavior. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Whimsical Garbage Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-garbage-bags.md) - [Ceramic Waste Carafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sungai-carafe.md) - [Sustainable QSR Litter Adverts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-malta.md) - [AI-Powered Recycling Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/binko-recycling-machine.md) - [Modular Organization Garbage Bins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitchen-garbage-bins.md) - [Smart Waste Sorters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-snapsort.md) - [Recycled Phonecase Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-rebirth.md) - [Meditative Trash Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trash-time-out.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md)