In a captivating display of creativity and sustainability, ALPLA, a global leader in innovative packaging solutions and recycling, has unveiled its latest public art installation, "Nice Time." Designed to inspire communities to recognize the full value of all objects, this visually stunning piece is a testament to the power of the circular economy.
ALPLA collaborated with renowned artist Hyland Mather to create and install this large-scale art piece in the heart of Midtown Atlanta's Colony Square. "Nice Time" is a three-dimensional masterpiece, strategically placed against a large wall in The Grove, a pocket park situated at the intersection of 14th and Juniper Streets. The installation is crafted entirely from plastics discovered by Mather throughout Atlanta, as well as type 1, 2, and 5 recyclable plastics collected by ALPLA employees.
Over the course of a week, Mather brought the piece to life at Colony Square, allowing members of the public to observe and experience the circular economy in action. The creative process culminated in an unveiling and celebration on June 7, and the art piece will continue to captivate visitors at the Midtown mixed-use destination throughout the summer of 2024.
Hyland Mather, the visionary behind "Nice Time," shared the inspiration behind his creation, stating, "This piece is about the moment, with the hope of an even brighter future. Despite the challenges we face, humans are amazing, and we still live on a magnificent planet in an awe-inspiring time." Mather's work draws from a Portuguese expression, "If you don't have dogs, you have to hunt with cats," which encapsulates the ingenuity and resourcefulness needed to tackle complex issues, even when solutions aren't readily available.
"Nice Time" serves as an extension of ALPLA's ongoing sustainability initiative, Plastic Reimagined, which aims to provide reliable and action-based content to consumers on reducing plastic pollution and creating a cleaner, more sustainable world. Mather emphasizes the importance of individual efforts in making a positive impact, stating, "This is a Nice Time for us all to think about ways in which we can help draw attention to and make a statement about improving the world we live in through small individual efforts, like forming good recycling habits, repurposing materials, and tasking ourselves with finding ways to proceed optimistically in a world that can feel sinister and cynical."
Billy Rice, Sustainability Manager at ALPLA, expressed the company's admiration for Mather's work, saying, "We're inspired by how Hyland Mather exemplified upcycling with plastics through his art, and hope that it will lead people to reimagine all of the possibilities for plastics and drive their actions toward sustainability." ALPLA's commitment to the transformative power of the circular economy is evident in its use and processing of recycled plastics, and the company invites the public to join them in creating a better world together.
"Nice Time" is not only a visually striking art installation but also a powerful symbol of the potential for recyclable plastics to be reimagined and repurposed. Through this collaboration with Hyland Mather, ALPLA hopes to inspire individuals and communities to embrace sustainability and actively participate in the circular economy. As the art piece continues to captivate visitors throughout the summer, it serves as a reminder that small actions, when combined, can lead to significant positive change for our planet.
