David Dahis presents upcycling art exhibition in Rio de Janeiro

Artist and designer David Dahis is presenting a solo exhibition titled ‘Upcycling: Seu Lixo Vira Arte’ at the Galpão das Artes Urbanas Helio G. Pellegrino in Gávea, Rio de Janeiro. Running from August 27 to November 13, the showcase features 15 works, including sculptures, miniatures, mosaics, and lamps.

The collection is constructed entirely from discarded materials such as plastic, metal, wood, and fabric, much of which the artist collects from the streets. Notable pieces include a miniature nightclub sign made from a chocolate box, a broken iPad repurposed as a screen, and a disco ball created from a seed.

Dahis utilizes the concept of upcycling to promote environmental awareness, a process that preserves the original form of an object to give it a new purpose rather than breaking it down into raw materials. The works intentionally expose their origins; for example, a ‘SpaceX’ rocket sculpture retains a visible deodorant label. Visitors can use QR codes to discover the original identity of the materials used in each piece.