My Artistic Process & Sustainability Philosophy
I do not see trash; I see stories in discarded circuits and abandoned wires. This is how I turn our technological leftovers into art that challenges, inspires, and reminds us to tread lighter on this planet.
In this video, I introduce myself and explain my process of upcycling e-waste into captivating art. I believe this is an alternative to recycling that contributes to a sustainable environment and helps heal our planet.
I sat down for an interview at the WSA Global Congress to discuss my process. I explain how my fascination with the textures and shapes inside gadgets, combined with my father's artistic legacy, led me to create art from e-waste.
I am passionate about working with e-waste because I see beauty where others see trash. This video explains my goal to honor old gadgets, celebrate their history, and inspire everyone to see the magic in reusing and repurposing.
This video explains my mission to redefine our relationship with technology. I urge a minimalist approach, where gadgets are tools, not trophies, and encourage the younger generation to choose sustainability over mindless consumerism.
A short clip summarizing my thirty-year journey of redefining sustainability. It's a glimpse into my vision for a greener future, where art created from e-waste challenges our throwaway culture.
Part one of a video series on my inspiring vision for a greener future. It sets the stage for how I use art to educate, inspire, and reshape our relationship with technology.
My journey is about contributing to a cleaner planet and the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) initiative. This video explains how a recreational activity evolved into a mission to prevent e-waste from ending up in landfills.
This video explains that waste minimization is the need of the hour. My art is a contribution to this goal, promoting sustainable practices and advocating for a circular economy to help mitigate climate change.
A poetic video in Hindi about my mission for a sustainable future. It tells the story of my art, where the magic of e-waste and the confluence of nature and technology create a message of hope.
This musical video, with lyrics in Kannada, conveys a powerful message about technology and consumerism. Set to a reggae beat, it captures my mission to transform e-waste into art and spread conscious vibes.
About My Process & Philosophy
My creative journey begins long before a single component is glued. It starts in the kabadi bazaar, where I hunt for specific textures, colors, and shapes—a discarded CPU fan here, a tangled mess of copper wire there. Before any assembly, I meticulously dismantle, clean, and categorize every piece. It is a slow, deliberate process, but it ensures that the resulting installation is not just visually striking, but structurally sound and carries the history of the objects themselves.
From Awareness to Action
My philosophy is simple: Arivininda kriyege, or from awareness to action. I believe that if my art makes you pause and think twice before tossing your old gadgets, I have done my job. We live in a culture of mindless consumption, where devices are treated as trophies rather than tools. My work is a form of activism designed to break that cycle, turning the digital debris of our lives into a conversation about our environmental footprint.
The Engineering Behind the Art
People often ask if these large murals are durable. Because my background is in engineering, I treat every sculpture like a construction project. Whether it is an installation exceeding 500kg or a small 3D sculpture, I use industrial-grade epoxy, mechanical fasteners, and reinforced armatures like Mild Steel (MS) grids. I ensure that every circuit board, remote control, and keyboard key is cleaned, sealed against oxidation, and positioned to create a lasting rhythm and harmony.
Why I Teach
I do not just create art for galleries; I create to share the process. I offer hands-on workshops and talks across Bengaluru and India because I want you to get your hands dirty. Learning to see the potential in a broken motherboard changes your perspective on the world. You stop seeing waste and start seeing raw material. If you are interested in sustainability, I invite you to join me—whether you are a student, a company looking for employee engagement through upcycling, or a collector seeking a one-of-a-kind piece with a story. Let us turn waste into wonders together.
Vishwanath Mallabadi
I am Vishwanath Mallabadi. I spent my first career as an engineer, and now I have dedicated my second life to proving that art is the best tool for environmental activism. I teach, I build, and I urge everyone to rethink their relationship with the gadgets they hold.
Ready to explore eco-art or book a session?
Find exactly what you need to start your sustainable journey.
More from Sustainable Art & Design Services by Vishwanath Mallabadi
More services by Vishwanath Mallabadi