John Guy Johnston
Toxtails,2020
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA), synthetic polymer paint, plastic detritus
Exhibited: Plastic Age, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Homestead Gallery,
Dec 2020 – Feb 2021, solo exhibition
Plastic Age is a visually festive body of work that draws attention to its colourful yet environmentally toxic plastic materials. While celebrating the culture of reuse, the work reminds us of the endless production of plastics and reviews the necessity of its obsolescence as the world moves towards more sustainable products.
Placed on a plastic tabletop, Toxtails (toxic-cocktails) consists of an arrangement of glasses of various shapes and sizes containing a milky mix of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and synthetic polymer paint, infused with everyday plastic debris. Toxtails look festive but leave a nasty taste.