Trash Island

Trash Island

            The piece of artwork created by Chester Arnold called “Fate of Durable Goods” created in the year 1990, located in the Nevada museum of arts and was painted on a large oil canvas that was eye opening to the environment as much so as to the color, texture and placement of the items in this one of a kind piece of art.

            When the artwork first caught my eye on September 8,2010 in the section dedicated to Chester Arnold called On earth as it is on heaven I noticed a large amount of trash in a large body of water. Imagine a large island made up of only debris that is floating through the rough ocean swaying side to side through a large storm. The trash ranges from cars to house hold appliances and other junk. The trash island is surrounded by large waves with a few dark storm clouds.

            This artwork has many different meanings. The most noticeable one is the debris is called, Durable Goods. Meaning at one time the items were used and cherished.  Even though the items have gone through a lot they are here to stay. The second noticeable thing is there is trash in the ocean! How Arnold states on earth as it is on heaven, is this what we will expect in heaven?

            The historical reason why Chester Arnold painted this artwork is because the abundance of trash that is accumulating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This patch is called The Great Pacific Garbage patch (greatgarbagepatch.org). This Island is becoming larger and toxic and this artwork shows and identifies the problem that needs to be fixed.

            This artwork is large and colorful and very nice for a painting of just debris. If this artwork were to go on sale I would consider purchasing it.