E-Waste Art: “Climate Change is Real” - Nor Tijan Firdaus

Various artists have utilized their craft in order to advocate for issues currently prominent within societies and on a global scale. One artist recognized for her talent and persistence in advocating for environmental protection is Nor Tijan Firdaus. 

Climate Change is Real (2020)- Nor Tijan Firdaus

Nor Tijan is a Malaysian artist known for her non-traditional medium work as a full-time contemporary artist with a master’s degree in fine arts from UITM. Within her degree, Nor Tijan Firdaus majored in sculpture. Her unique work features the extensive use of e-waste in a two-dimensional sculpture format. The innovative idea and passion to use e-waste as a medium arose when Nor Tijan learned about topics regarding sustainability in art and design and the environmental impact of consumerism. She began collecting discarded electronic parts and electronic appliances within her surroundings. By collecting suitable electronic components, Nor Tijan Firdaus carves and paints the pieces to form her finished pieces. Nor Tijan has used this unique and non-traditional medium to replicate notorious pieces such as Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh and The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

Nor Tijan Firdaus’ piece Climate Change is Real (2020), is the epitome of Firdaus’ passion for spreading awareness of the current climate change and environmental issues. By using e-waste Firdaus allows for a multidimensionally meaningful piece as the work’s meaning is further exemplified through the use of the very products that lead to greater pollution and destruction of the environment. The piece Climate Change is Real, displays the image of an innocent child, demonstrating how the current environmental issues will impact future generations. Additionally, this element of the piece possibly displays how future generations will inherit a world in which the immense dependence on electronic devices and consumerism will lead to the greater destruction of the environment. By using the very elements within the modern world that lead to environmental harm — electronic waste— Tijan is able to fabricate a sense of irony within this piece as the hope for the future (symbolised through the imagery of the child) is stifled as consumerism and neglect for the environment persists within contemporary societies.

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The work of artists such as Nor Tijan Firdaus will continue to impact modern societies through providing constructive social commentary that efficiently adds to necessary discussions regarding current issues.