Featured E-Waste Art & Sculptures
I transform discarded technology into visual narratives, turning motherboards, wires, and old keyboards into pieces that inspire a sustainable future.
This short film captures the creation of my 25-foot e-waste mural at Orion Mall in Bengaluru. It shows how thousands of discarded electronic devices, from remote controls to circuit boards, can be transformed into a public masterpiece that inspires a community to rethink waste.
"Disconnect to Reconnect" is the core message of 'The Nest', an art installation I created in Mumbai from 2,000 old keypad mobile phones. This piece serves as a powerful symbol, urging us to step away from our screens and reconnect with the natural world.
I was honored to be featured by The Better India, a platform that highlights impactful stories. This feature shows a close-up of one of my intricate sculptures, explaining how I turn what many see as junk into valuable, thought-provoking art.
Here I am with one of my wearable art sculptures, crafted entirely from discarded keyboard keys and electronic components. This piece explores the relationship between the human form and the technology that surrounds us, turning e-waste into a statement on sustainable fashion.
In this interview, I share the philosophy that drives my work. I discuss my technical background as a ham radio operator, my artistic journey, and my mission to use upcycling as a tool for raising environmental awareness and inspiring action.
Beyond gallery pieces, I design and produce exclusive, eco-friendly awards for high-profile events. This video showcases how companies can celebrate excellence while demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability by choosing trophies crafted from upcycled e-waste.
'Cyber Ganesha' is a piece where spirituality meets sustainability. I meticulously crafted this sculpture using discarded keyboard keys and PCB fragments, blending ancient wisdom with modern circuitry to create a unique dialogue between the divine and the digital.
This video gives a glimpse into my creative process, showing how I transform raw electronic components into dynamic wall art. I work with high-quality parts from German manufacturers like Würth Elektronik, finding rhythm and harmony in their textures, shapes, and colors.
This photo from the Indian Express captures a proud moment for my wife and me, standing before the 25-foot 'Sanketana' mural at its unveiling. This project was a testament to combining creativity with ecological activism on a large public scale.
About Featured
I don’t just glue trash together. Every component—be it a motherboard, a handful of ethernet cables, or individual resistors—is meticulously cleaned and categorized by its texture and form before I begin construction. Whether I’m building a 25-foot mural or a delicate desktop sculpture, I spend more time sourcing and preparing the raw material than I do during the final assembly. This is about finding the engineering rhythm within your discarded gadgets.
My work is rooted in a simple philosophy: Disconnect to Reconnect. In an era dominated by screens and rapid consumption, I want my art to act as a pause button. When you look at a mural made from 3,000 remote controls, you are not just seeing an image; you are seeing the material cost of our technological habits.
The Engineering Behind the Art
My process is unconventional. I treat an old laptop motherboard like a sculptor treats marble. By dismantling gadgets, I uncover the intricate geometry of circuit paths and capacitors. I use industrial-grade adhesives and armatures to ensure these high-density arrangements, often weighing hundreds of kilograms, remain durable. This is where my background as a ham radio operator comes in—I understand the mechanical stress and structural requirements needed to build installations that last.
Projects and Impact
- Large-Scale Murals: I design site-specific installations, like the 25-foot 'Sanketana' mural, meant to anchor commercial spaces and spark dialogue about e-waste management.
- Corporate Recognition: I create custom trophies and mementos from upcycled electronics, providing companies with a tangible way to showcase their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.
- Symbolic Sculptures: Pieces like 'Cyber Ganesha' merge traditional iconography with modern circuitry, highlighting the intersection of ancient wisdom and our digital reality.
Every piece includes documentation on the weight of e-waste diverted from landfills. If you are looking to transform your office space with sustainable art or recognize excellence with an eco-conscious award, let’s discuss the specific technical constraints and visual potential of your project.
Vishwanath Mallabadi
I’m Vishwanath, a former engineer who spent the last 20 years proving that electronics do not belong in a landfill. My studio is a playground of motherboards, wires, and keyboard keys, where I use my technical background to find new, artistic lives for discarded technology.
Explore more eco-art possibilities
Find specific art pieces, installation services, or upcycling workshops.
More from Sustainable Art & Design Services by Vishwanath Mallabadi
More services by Vishwanath Mallabadi