South Philly artist Gail S. Kotel is unveiling a new project that draws attention to environmental waste.
In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), Kotel has been working on a Styrofoam portrait project, using recycled materials to create 18th century-style portraits. It’s the latest of an ongoing mission by the owner of Therapeutic Pilates at 1536 Catharine St. in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood.
“As a found object portrait artist, I am passionate about increasing awareness of environmental waste by using materials that most people overlook and throw away,” Kotel said. “Earth Day is an important time to reflect on what we all need to do to protect our planet. My goal with the Styrofoam portraits is to call attention to the need for manufacturers to stop utilizing this packaging rather than passing the burden of saving the planet onto consumers.”
For roughly 40 years, Kotel has been upcycling other people’s garbage and advocating for the environment. During the pandemic, she painted local restaurant employees on takeout containers for a portrait series, which supported struggling restaurants. Her artwork appeared in the windows of more than 20 restaurants during the pandemic.
In her most recent project, called “Earth Day Spotlight”, Kotel began painting portraits on Styrofoam packaging that she had amassed, using 18th century portraiture style. According to Kotel, the portrait catches people’s attention before they realize the material beneath the painting. The Styrofoam portrait series will be exhibited this summer in Alexandria, Virginia at the KYO gallery.
“Art is a unique way to address our growing environmental crisis because it is accessible while being able to put forth a strong message,” Kotel said. “It’s important to me to bring attention to Styrofoam and other materials because we have no option but to buy things we need to use and eat, with environmentally harmful packaging.”
