Art and Activism: 10 Provocative Themes in Bordalo II’s Art

Bordalo II is an artist who has gained worldwide recognition for his innovative approach to sculpture. His use of discarded materials, particularly plastics, to create larger-than-life animal sculptures serves as a powerful critique of our society’s consumerism and sheds light on the detrimental impact of excessive production and consumption on the environment and wildlife. Bordalo II’s intricate and detailed sculptures not only showcase his skill and creativity but also bring attention to pressing environmental issues.

In addition to his Big Trash Animal Series, Bordalo II creates thought-provoking works that tackle hard-hitting themes, such as the brutality of bullfighting, child abuse within religious institutions, and the innocence of war. Bordalo II’s art is not just about aesthetic appeal but also serves a purpose: to raise awareness and provoke dialogue on important global issues. Through his art and platform, Bordalo II strives to draw attention to important issues the world is facing today and inspire people to act, call out, and stand up for humanity.

In this blog post, we will delve into ten topics that Bordalo II has addressed through his impactful artwork, using his platform to shine a light on injustices and advocate for positive change.

1.

BIG TRASH ANIMALS

Bordalo II’s plastic message is powerful and universal, resonating with people from all walks of life and around the globe. His work challenges us to rethink our relationship with the environment and consider the impact of our actions on the world around us. It is fascinating to see how he can turn “trash” into something beautiful and meaningful. His sculptures of big trash animals are created entirely from discarded materials, such as plastics, and serve as a powerful commentary on our society’s rampant consumerism, waste production and throwaway culture.

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2.

CHILD ABUSE

Bordalo II created a series of powerful and impactful interventions that targeted the church for its historical crimes of Child abuse. His art is a commentary on the systemic abuse and exploitation that has been perpetuated by these institutions, often with impunity. Through his unique and thought-provoking style, Bordalo II portrays the harsh realities of the past and the present, highlighting the plight of the victims and the urgent need for redress. They remind us that justice must be served for all, regardless of their position or power, challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in positions of power.

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3.

ENVIRONMENT

In addition to his environmental message, Bordalo II’s art often carries a political undertone. His provocative pieces frequently critique politicians’ and governments’ approaches to waste management and the environment. By drawing attention to these issues, Bordalo II hopes to inspire change and encourage people to take action to protect the planet.

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4.

BULLFIGHTING

Bordalo II’s thought-provoking pieces that critique the practice of bullfighting are no exception; Bordalo II challenges the tradition and cultural significance of bullfighting. Through his art, Bordalo II invites viewers to reflect on the cruelty and violence inherent in the practice of bullfighting. By shining a light on this issue, he encourages society to re-examine its relationship with animals and the natural world. Bordalo II’s art serves as a call to action to promote more humane treatment of animals and to work towards a more compassionate and sustainable future.

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5.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Bordalo II’s street art is a powerful tool bringing attention to the issue of misogyny and the failure of the court system to protect women. His provocative pieces challenge the status quo and demand change to ensure the safety and equality of women. Through his art, Bordalo II highlights women’s ongoing struggles, particularly in the legal system and pro-choice.

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6.

PALESTINE

The Palestinian flag, painted on a set of stairs, is still wet with bright red paint, symbolising the ongoing bloodshed in the region. As pedestrians walk by, the red paint from their shoes smears and ultimately covers the flag’s colours, creating a powerful visual effect that captures the intense emotions of the ongoing conflict in the region. The artwork is both thought-provoking and poignant, drawing attention to the human toll on innocent civilians and the need for peace.

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7.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Bordlao II also creates powerful pieces that critique social media platforms for their stance on freedom of speech and privacy. Through his art, Bordalo II challenges the dominance of these platforms and their impact on our lives. His pieces feature symbols that represent the control that social media has over our personal information and the way we communicate with one another. By drawing attention to these issues, he encourages society to re-examine the role of social media in our lives and advocate for greater transparency and accountability. Through his thought-provoking pieces, he encourages us to question the role of these platforms in our lives and to demand greater protection of our personal information.

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8.

STOP RACISM

Bordalo II has sprayed the word “racism” under a road “stop” sign, a clever approach to stop racism in its tracks. Additionally, he has painted a black figure on the white stripes and a white figure on the black stripes of a zebra crossing, creating a thought-provoking visual representation of racial integration and unity. Through these impactful interventions, Bordalo II sparks reflection and dialogue on the urgent need to combat racism in all forms and promote inclusivity. We are all part of the same race, the human race.

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9.

END WAR

Bordalo II selects soft children’s toys, such as teddy bears and pandas, and manipulates them to represent the innocent lives caught up in the brutality of war. These toys, which are often associated with comfort and safety, are transformed into a powerful visual representation of the harsh reality of armed conflict. Bordalo’s use of red paint, which he applies in a way that simulates bloodstains or wounds, creates a poignant and heart-wrenching effect. The resulting artwork is a haunting depiction of the tragic fate that befalls many children in war zones. Through his work, Bordalo II seeks to raise awareness about the plight of innocent lives caught in the crossfire of war and to encourage society to take action towards building a more peaceful world. The artist has also created many peace and anti-war pieces.

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10.

XMAS EXCESS

Bordalo II’s work often comments on excessive waste production, particularly during the holiday season. Through his art, he confronts the staggering amount of waste generated from holiday celebrations, shedding light on the environmental repercussions of consumerism and lavish spending during this time. By incorporating discarded materials into his art, Bordalo II effectively critiques the culture of excess and the need for more sustainable, eco-conscious practices, prompting viewers to reflect on their consumption habits and their impact on the planet.

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Bordalo II has firmly cemented his status as an artist with a strong social conscience and a deep commitment to using his art to spark meaningful conversations and catalyse positive change within society. Through his big trash animal sculptures and striking provocative art, Bordalo II consistently demonstrates a dedication to shedding light on pressing societal issues and inspiring action towards a more equitable, sustainable and peaceful future.

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