Created By: The Avenue Concept
Location: Exchange Terrace x Francis St.
Artist Tao LaBossiere intends to stimulate viewers to consider the serious subject matter and our relationships with self-destructive habits. Tao created this cigarette butt sculpture from repurposed 55-gallon steel oil drums. This medium addresses another addiction of our society, the unsustainable and unhealthy use of oil for energy and plastic products. These addictions are accepted, pervasive cultural problems that destroy human health and our environment.
Ironically, as an added element of this repurposed oil drum, a solar panel on the top collects sustainable energy from the sun. It charges a battery that powers a set of low voltage LED motion-activated security lights. Beginning around dusk, the motion of an approaching individual will activate the lights, which light the interior of the sculpture illuminating the translucent fiberglass’ cigarette ash’ with orange and red, giving it the appearance of hot glowing embers. The internal timer shuts off within a few minutes and extinguishes the embers.
About the artist:
Tao LaBossiere is a full-time multidisciplinary working artist since 1997 who paints murals and creates mixed media artwork and sculptures as a creative service. His studio is in Hartford Connecticut.
Material: Steel, Fiberglass
Artist Instagram: @taolabossiere
~TAKE A CLOSER LOOK~
What is your initial reaction to this sculpture?
How does the exhibit description influence your reaction?
What do you think about the choice of materials?
Did you notice the motion-activated lights?
This point of interest is part of the tour: Downtown--5k road run DRAFT
Please send change requests to changerequest@pocketsights.com.