# Gooey Garbage Art Stefan Gross Encourages People to Not Waste or Take the World Seriously By Meghan Young | Published 2012-01-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stefan-gross References: [trendsnow.net](http://www.trendsnow.net/inspiration/stefan-gross) & [stefangross.nl](http://www.stefangross.nl/) Stefan Gross takes [art made out of garbage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures) to a whole new gooey level. Instead of creating something that looks relatively fresh and unspoiled, his art embraces its recent roots. Although [each sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1) looks like it still belongs in the trash, there is a squeamish beauty about them that will encourage people to appreciate them for what they are. Based in The Netherlands, Stefan Gross does not just reflect on the idea of [consumption and waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys). Through his work, Stefan Gross notes, "The world is a serious place these days. This is the problem that I try to solve with my work." Although his sculptures may look far from lighthearted, there is a bizarre hilarity about them that will make many shrug their shoulders in bewilderment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Upcycled Art:** Artists can use discarded materials to create beautiful and thought-provoking sculptures. - **Waste Reduction:** Companies and individuals can find innovative ways to reduce waste and turn it into something valuable. - **Humorous Sustainability:** By injecting humor and playfulness into sustainability efforts, companies can engage a wider audience. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** Artists can explore new ways to create and repurpose materials in their work. - **Waste Management:** Waste management companies can partner with artists and innovators to find new uses for discarded materials. - **Sustainability and CSR:** Companies can incorporate humor and entertainment into their sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts to engage consumers and employees alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Crystal-Adorned Crushed Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-keller.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md) - [Candy-Like Colorful Glass Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gele-series.md) - [Junkyard-Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkyard-diving.md) - [Upcycled Object Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-and-daniel-arsham.md) - [Broken-Aesthetic Sculpture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brokenaesthetic-sculpture-collection.md) - [Resin Hardware Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hardware.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md)