Our Royal Zoo The Earth, 2025, side-view

Abstract

Artist(s): Lauren Smith Materials: Aluminum cans, cardboard, metal, fabric /= / \u3e The idea of Our Royal Zoo can be a powerful metaphor for the moral imperative to protect Earth\u27s ecosystems and their inhabitants. It underscores the interconnectedness of all living things and the need for responsible stewardship. This project was made from old Amazon boxes that I used to draw and make the cardboard animal cut outs. Each royal on this life-raft is uniquely adorned with leftover fabric from small bags that my tea leaves came in or the end roles of special occasion wrapping paper or gift bags that could not be used. The raft is made from recycled coke zero cans and old National Geographic covers since it is one of the only publications widely subscribed to that covers matters related to our ecosystem and broadens awareness. The flowers by which the raft is buoyed are made from crumbled tissue paper. The jewels that adorn both the elephant and sealion are from old recycled metal earrings that had broken and a unique ribbon that came with a gift of spices I\u27d received from a loved one who visited India.https://openworks.mdanderson.org/recycledart2025/1087/thumbnail.jp