Artist makes dazzling science fiction landscapes using 1.8 tonnes of electronics

Benjamin Von Wong is a conceptual artist who created a photo series using over 1.8 tonnes of electronics—the approximate amount one person goes through during their lifetime.

In 2014, about 41.8 million tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide. Electronics is one of the fastest growing categories in the municipal solid waste stream, which is especially problematic since almost all e-waste is recyclable.

Von Wong wanted to reveal the magnitude of the issue by creating eye-catching textured landscapes out of electronics. The artist partnered with Dell, which boasts the world’s largest global recycling program.

This isn’t the first time the multinational computer company’s collaborated with an artist to bring attention to e-waste. Last year, it worked with a designer to create jewellery made with gold salvaged from computers.

Dell allowed Von Wong to borrow the electronics needed for the photoshoots. 50 volunteers worked over the course of 10 days to help the photographer and his team sort through all the materials.

Using circular motifs, the landscapes seek to communicate the concept of a circular economy—how the past can power the future. According to Von Wong, “One of the most tedious structures to build was (the) portal, where each arch would take up to six hours to decorate with valuable circuit boards.”

With a focus on process, Von Wong heavily documents his photoshoots. Learn how the artist transformed e-waste into art via this video:

Von Wong has previously tacked the issue of waste—with a series of photographs featuring a mermaid and 1,000 plastic bottles.

Learn more via this video: