Jean Shin: MAiZE

It is easy to see why cornfields represent the Iowa landscape. During summer commutes on Interstate 80, one can see rows of the plant stretch to the horizon and fill the scenery. The landscape, as well as the community’s ties to agriculture, inspired Jean Shin to create MAiZE. On June 24, thousands of repurposed green plastic bottles crafted into “cornstalk” sculptures by volunteers will form an elaborate maze on the Figge Art Museum’s third floor. In addition to demonstrating the power of art making and community collaboration, the installation will engage visitors in a dialogue about plastic waste, food choices and environmental stewardship.

The majority of plastic in this country is not recycled but instead ends up in landfills, the Mississippi River, the oceans and other natural areas. The sheer mass of plastic in the installation will encourage visitors to consider plastic waste and its detrimental effects on the environment. The empty bottles, once filled with soda, will illustrate the issues of overconsumption and the harmful effects of processed foods like corn syrup. Expanding on these concepts, MAiZE will reflect broadly on social and environmental issues that arise from mass consumption and the convenience culture.