These two works by Andrew E Zarb form part of the series titled ‘Plastic Faith/Fate’. Each selected artwork depicts a female figure ensnared and concealed beneath a transparent plastic sheet. The concept behind these works revolves around our relationship with plastic and our reliance on it, juxtaposed with the environmental destruction caused by its excessive usage.

 

Entitled 'Plastic Faith', one artwork exudes a quasi-religious aura, resembling a veiled saintly statue awaiting procession in a village celebration. It reflects humanity's acceptance of plastic's comforts, resigning to a life within its confines. The second piece, 'Plastic Fate', portrays the planet's anguish in its degradation due to plastic pollution, reminiscent of Edvard Munch's 'The Scream,' capturing existential angst.

 

When viewed together, these artworks evoke a cycle of contentment and despair, reminding us of Camus's essay on the myth of Sisyphus. Sisyphus's eternal task symbolizes the struggle between accepting a dire reality and dreading its repetition. Similarly, despite awareness of environmental destruction, we persist in our reliance on plastic comforts.