Using trash bags, unused grocery bags and plastic sheets, Pakistani artist Khalil Chishtee creates life-sized figures racked with emotion. He uses these materials as a metaphor for “recycling our identities” or braving the problems of life.
“For the first time I have used trash or recycled bags as my medium because no matter how many times I recycle plastic, it will remain plastic only, it will not change, so why do we change after being replaced?,” he says. “We change names, religion, language and even emotions. Why can’t we also remain ‘human beings’ that we essentially are?”
Look through his various works and you’ll feel a sense of sadness wash over you. His torn, withering figures appear hopeless, as if they’re struggling, trying to cope with the insurmountable problems of everyday life.
