# Captivating Upcycled Collages 'The Date Farmers' Make Masterpiece Artworks From Reused Materials By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-date-farmers References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2010/04/04/the-date-farmers/) & [datefarmers](http://www.datefarmers.com/) This collection of collage artworks features the amazing creations of Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez, who make their pieces out of [recycled refuse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys-collection) while operating under the name 'The Date Farmers.' Based out of their home in Southern California, 'The Date Farmers' gather everything from [bottle caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beau-mccall) to old road signs to bring their creativity to life. Beneath the upcycled nature of their art, however, there is also a transcendent layer of social commentary about race, equality and social injustice, whose breadth and scope far exceeds the deceptively humble nature of [found-material artistry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Upcycled Art:** Opportunity for artists to create unique and environmentally-friendly artwork by repurposing discarded materials. - **Social Commentary Art:** Artists can use their work to make powerful statements about important social issues like race, equality, and social injustice. - **Found-material Artistry:** Artists can tap into the limitless possibilities of using found materials to create visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists, designers, and creative professionals in the art industry can explore new techniques and mediums for artistic expression through upcycled and found-material artistry. - **Sustainability:** The sustainability industry can benefit from upcycling initiatives in art, as it promotes the reuse of materials and reduces waste. - **Social Activism:** Art that incorporates social commentary can inspire and engage individuals, making it a valuable tool for social activism organizations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [Repurposed Studio Scrap Pottery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daon-pottery.md) - [Abandoned Bikes-Turned Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/objects-from-frames.md) - [Crystal-Adorned Crushed Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-keller.md) - [Upcycled Object Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-and-daniel-arsham.md) - [Agriculturally Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farming-photographs.md) - [Reusable Classical Artwork Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycling-beauty.md) - [Junkyard-Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkyard-diving.md) - [Natural Material-Transformed Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/borrowed-earth-collaborative.md)