Michael Hockey, an Australian artist, transforms the plastic waste littering Bali’s beaches into a medium for his mixed media artworks. Drawn to the whimsical children’s toys found amongst the debris, Michael reimagines these discarded items, discovering beauty in their shapes, colors, and textures. This perspective shift fuels his creative process, turning what was once trash into components of a larger artistic narrative.

In his initial works, Michael recreated iconic pieces like Vermeer’s “Girl with A Pearl Earring” and Munch’s “The Scream,” using familiar imagery to captivate and then surprise viewers with the realization of the materials’ origins. Through this journey, he developed a unique style, with pieces often reflecting his travels and distinct humor.

One notable work, “Hotel Room in Kathmandu,” pays homage to the eccentrically designed hotels encountered during his journeys. Each piece of Michael’s art is not only a testament to his creativity but also a statement on environmental conservation, with all materials sourced from Bali’s shores.