Following rainstorms, the trash left on the streets of Los Angeles is washed directly into the ocean via the storm drains. Recognizing this problem, artist Kim Abeles collected discarded objects from the beaches of Santa Monica and used the debris to create the Runoff Dolphin valise. Abeles soldered a dolphin shaped violin case and in strangely alluring patterns collaged the collected trash to the exterior of the case. Inside, another collection of debris is laid out on a bed of fancy pink satin. In a single artwork, Abeles presents a problem (ocean pollution) and a solution (reusing and recycling) with a creative and aesthetic second-hand use of discarded trash.

About the artist: Kim Abeles was born in Richmond Heights, Missouri, in 1952 and was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1978, she moved to Los Angeles, where she lives and works, exploring environmental and social issues through her art. A sense of humor, a political stance and a unique blend of materials characterize Abele’s work, which has been widely displayed in galleries and museums in Europe and the United States.

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