If you think that waste is just material to be thrown away, the Portuguese artist Bordalo II will make you change your mind. Known for his impressive street art works and sculptures made entirely from waste materials, Bordalo II is one of the most innovative artists on the contemporary scene, committed to raising awareness on the issues of sustainability and pollution. Through his works, Bordalo II transforms the urban world into a living manifesto of ecological denunciation, taking art far beyond traditional boundaries.
Who is Bordalo II?
Born in Lisbon in 1987, Artur Bordalo, better known as Bordalo II , developed a deep connection with art thanks to his family of artists. His artistic career began as a graffiti artist, an art form that brought him closer to walls and public spaces. However, it was his commitment to the field of recycled art that made him famous worldwide. Bordalo II is not only a visual artist, but a true activist, who uses waste as a means to raise awareness of the environmental crisis.
The Iconic Works of Bordalo II
Bordalo II's sculptures and murals stand out for their imposing size and vibrant colors. Made from discarded materials, including plastic, tires, and discarded appliances, these works often depict endangered animals , creating a visual connection between the destruction of the environment and the fate of these species. These animals literally seem to emerge from the wall surfaces, an effect that not only captures attention, but also stimulates reflection. This creates hybrids between mural and sculpture.
Among his most famous works – which we had the pleasure of seeing on our trip to Portugal – we find:
- O Coelho (The Rabbit) in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the banks of the Douro River, facing the city of Porto; an example of how art can transform waste materials into a visual icon.
- Half Owl and Half Gorilla in Coimbra, where Bordalo II represents animals in a fusion between colored waste and monochromatic surfaces, underlining the dichotomy between nature and urban decay.
- Burro (Donkey) in Bragança, where the figure of the donkey merges with waste materials, emerging from the surface.
The Visual and Ecological Impact of His Works
The most fascinating aspect of Bordalo II's art is the contrast between the beauty of his sculptures and the reality of the materials they are made of. Each work is a mix of colors and textures, but behind this aesthetic lies a powerful message: the need to take care of the planet. The use of materials that we normally consider waste is not a random choice, but a denunciation of the pollution and waste that suffocate our ecosystem.
The subjects chosen by Bordalo II, mostly animals, tell a story of fragility and resilience. Often these creatures are represented in dynamic poses, almost as if they were struggling to emerge from the waste from which they are made. In this sense, his works become powerful symbols of the fight against environmental destruction , evoking a profound reflection on our collective responsibility towards nature.
Bordalo II in Italy
If you are curious to see the works of Bordalo II, you don't have to go far. The artist has also brought his ecological message to Italy, creating iconic works such as:
- Il Riccio a Este, a sculpture created in 2015 in an old bus parking lot, which transforms an industrial space into a unique artistic experience.
- The Daniza Bear in Turin, a tribute to the famous bear killed in Trentino in 2014, placed on the wall of the Colosseum Theater.
These works are not only admired for their beauty, but also attract curious tourists, demonstrating how the art of Bordalo II has an impact not only culturally, but also economically and touristically.
Art as a Tool for Change
Bordalo II's work goes beyond simple aesthetic pleasure. Each of his sculptures is a social denunciation , an invitation to reflect on the impact that our daily choices have on the environment . The message is clear: the waste we produce does not disappear, but accumulates, suffocating nature and the animals that depend on it.
Bordalo II is a pioneer of a new form of ecological street art , in which aesthetics merges with activism. His works are an example of how art can be used not only to decorate urban spaces, but also to launch strong messages and influence the way we live and think, inviting us to transform our habits into more conscious and sustainable choices. In an era in which sustainability is increasingly central to public debate, Bordalo II's art is the spokesperson of a clear message: change starts with each of us.
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