Q. What material has this artist used to create this sculptural installation?

A. This is the work of Tara Donovan; the piece above is made from styrofoam cups and the piece below is made from paper plates. Donovan uses base materials of all kinds including things we would normally consider trash (disposable cups, straws, paper plates, etc.) to make compelling sculptural landscapes.

Why do you think Donovan has selected these materials? Can you think of another artist that uses found or everyday objects in their work? How do you think these objects help to advance the artist’s narrative? Is there a narrative in Donnovan’s work?