Exhibition shines light on e-waste crisis

The rapid growth of electronic devices leads to a staggering surge in electronic waste on our planet. Now, artworks crafted with electronic waste are on display at the "Garbage or Treasure" exhibition at HQB Museum, visually presenting this critical issue in a compelling and thought-provoking manner. 

A spoonbill crafted with electronic waste and mechanical components is on display at the "Garbage or Treasure" exhibition.

At the free exhibition, a spoonbill, a horse and a fish, all ingeniously constructed from discarded electronic and mechanical components, are visually striking, arresting visitors' attention and shedding light on the problem in a way that statistics and reports may not achieve. 

A fish crafted with electronic waste is on display.

A horse constructed from electronic waste and mechanical components is on display at HQB Museum. Photos by Cao Zhen

The densely clustered electronic castoffs within these artworks serve as powerful metaphors for the impact of consumerism. Simultaneously, these artworks underscore the potential for recycling and upcycling, offering glimpses into creative solutions.

Electronic waste often contains hazardous materials and poses significant environmental risks. Improper disposal of these substances can contaminate soil, water, and air; mismanagement of electronic waste results in the loss of valuable resources such as non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, and precious metals, as well as plastics, rubbers and glasses, prompting more mining activities to extract these resources.

Huge images of electronic waste are shown at the exhibition.

The comprehensive information provided at the exhibition serves as an educational tool, enlightening the public and catalyzing a shift towards sustainable solutions for electronic waste management. 

Dates: Through Aug. 18

Booking: WeChat miniprogram “华强北博物馆预约”

Venue: HQB Museum, 5/F, Block A, Modern Window Building, Futian District (福田区广博现代之窗大厦A座五层华强北博物馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiang North Station (华强北站), Exit E2