View Beautiful Art Made of Garbage

IDAHO FALLS — Internationally acclaimed Japanese artist, Sayaka Ganz utilizes reclaimed plastic objects like discarded old kitchen utensils as brush strokes to assemble animal sculptures that are rich in color, energy and motion in a style she describes as “3D impressionism.” Reclaimed Creations is currently at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM)–its only Idaho venue–through October 2, 2021.

"The last eighteen months have been a challenge for all cultural institutions including TAM; however, through a series of COVID-related exhibit cancellations and postponements at other venues throughout the country, this previously booked tour suddenly became available. As long-time admirers of her work, we jumped at the opportunity to bring Sayaka's exhibit to Idaho," says Miyai Abe Griggs, executive director of TAM.

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Ganz grew up living in Japan, Brazil, and Hong Kong. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington and a Master of Fine Arts degree
in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She has lectured widely and taught design and drawing courses at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. Ganz was the subject of a video entitled SAYAKA GANZ: Danz Della Natura produced by the Hermann Geiger Foundation which is available on-line at: https://player.vimeo.com/video/62684324.

“My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by
small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist,” says Ganz.

"With all of the extreme weather we've experienced as of late and the recent U.N. climate change report, I think this is a very timely exhibit that effectively communicates the impact we, as human beings, are having on our planet. As our visitors explore dolphins and galloping horses made of discarded old plastic coat hangers and kitchen spatulas destined for the landfill, their definition of "art" is broadened and environmental stewardship is taught in a fun, approachable way that is accessible to even our youngest visitors," says Griggs.

Ganz's work has been displayed at the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, and the Isle Gallery, Isle of Man. Commissions of her work include a series of four marine life sculptures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and an underwater scene with right whale and various schools of fish in the atrium of the Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Also featuring in the Corridor & Studio Galleries . . .

August 17 – October 2

The Art of Daniel Borup

Gallery 12

About The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM)
TAM is located on the river at 300 South Capital Avenue in Idaho Falls. For more information,
please call 208.524.7777 or visit www.theartmuseum.org.