Turning E-Waste into Art: My Upcycling Journey
Explore how two decades of artistic vision turn discarded electronics into meaningful, sustainable masterpieces and immersive creative experiences.
This is my story. For over two decades, I have been on a mission to transform electronic waste into art. In this session, I share my journey from my early days as a ham radio operator to creating large scale installations, my philosophy of "Disconnect to Reconnect," and my invitation to you to join this movement. It’s more than art; it’s about making our planet safer and healthier.
The device you are watching this on will one day become e-waste. This video, created for my collaboration with the Brigade Group for the Orion Mall installation, shows the scale of the problem and how we can use creativity to turn this challenge into an opportunity. This is a powerful introduction to the concepts I explore in my talks and workshops.
Join me in my studio. I invite you to a workshop where I share the magic of transforming discarded tech into stunning art. With over two decades of experience, I will guide you through my creative process, helping you discover how your own creativity can contribute to a sustainable future.
This is "The Nest," an art installation I created in Mumbai from 2,000 discarded mobile phones. It embodies my core message: Disconnect to Reconnect. In an age dominated by screens, this piece serves as a reminder to pause and rediscover our connection with nature, with others, and with ourselves.
From e-waste to wearable art. In this video, a student from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) shares her experience from one of my workshops. It shows how we can challenge conventions and create sustainable apparel from discarded electronics, a key topic I cover in my sessions for design and fashion students.
The questions from young minds are always the most insightful. This interaction with students at the Canadian International School shows the curiosity and passion that my workshops ignite. My goal is to empower the next generation, our future guardians, to see waste as a valuable resource.
My work has been recognized by platforms like The Better India, which featured my journey of turning scrap into sculptures. This feature covers my process, from dismantling old gadgets to creating pieces like the "Kamadhenu" and a working clock from computer chips, demonstrating the practical and artistic potential of upcycling.
Ready to get your hands dirty? This short video gives you a taste of a DIY Electro-Mandala, one of the many creations we explore in my hands-on workshops. You will learn to see the hidden patterns and textures in electronic components and craft your own aesthetic composition.
About Featured
My work isn't just about creating aesthetics; it is about shifting the perspective on the technology we discard. Whether it is a 25-foot mural for a corporate office or an intimate workshop helping students rethink consumption, every piece I create is built from components I have salvaged from the local market. If you are looking to bring a sustainable story to your space or want to learn the craft yourself, this is where it begins.
The Philosophy of Disconnect to Reconnect
My journey began with a simple curiosity: what happens to the technology we discard? Having spent years as a ham radio engineer, I see a rhythm and story in every circuit board, wire, and motherboard. My 'Sanketana' mural at Orion Mall was not just an art project—it was a statement that waste is merely a resource in the wrong place. By transforming thousands of remote controls or mobile phones into sculptures like 'The Nest,' I challenge the obsession with digital consumption.
Workshop & Engagement Opportunities
I invite you to step into this creative process. My workshops are not standard craft classes; they are immersive experiences in dismantling and reimagining technology.
- For Corporates: We move beyond standard team-building. Whether it is creating a large-scale mural for your lobby or individual desk accessories for your team, we use the act of creation to foster dialogue about sustainability and innovation.
- For Students & Designers: I collaborate with institutions to teach not just the art, but the engineering of upcycling—how to safely handle components and design with texture and form in mind.
Whether you want to commission a large-scale sustainable installation for your venue in Bengaluru or across India, or you want to host an interactive session, my approach is hands-on and grounded in real-world application. We do not just talk about sustainability; we build it, one component at a time. Let us collaborate to turn your vision into a piece that makes a difference.
Vishwanath Mallabadi
I am Vishwanath, an eco-artist who treats junk like a palette of possibilities. I have spent twenty years proving that if you look closely enough, a discarded phone or motherboard is just a canvas waiting for a second life. I am here to help you see the same potential.
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