Israeli Poet Nitzan Mintz Makes Sustainable Art Stick To The Streets

Israeli street artist Nitzan Mintz writes her poems on the streets of Tel Aviv, using disregarded materials she collects from dumpsters and public spaces. “I use only recycled materials in my art,” she said.

Nitzan is not alone. Artists across the Middle East have responded to the massive recycling crisis by upcycling trash into art. There are many benefits for artists that use waste to create, both financial and creative.

“I use birdcages, pieces of wood, anything,” said Nitzan.

“I love the connection between me and these objects I find. They inspire me to make something new. It’s like a gift from God. I need art materials and I find them.”

She composes her art according the particular site, incorporating space and environment into her designs. And unlike many street artists, Nitzan signs her real name to all her work. “I take full responsibility for my art in the streets,” she said in an interview with Times of Israel. “I never harm the environment or cause damage to people’s property.”

Here is an example of a work she made with local artists Gili Peleg and Signor Gi.

Nitzan’s Hebrew poetry murals are a great example of eco-friendly innovation, turning garbage into art. And we look forward to seeing more of her work around Israel.

Images via the artist and Urban Existenz

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Author: Leigh Cuen

Leigh Cuen is a freelance journalist currently reporting from Israel. She has written for the Earth Island Journal, the San Francisco Public Press, the Palestinian News Network, J. weekly newspaper and the Women News Network. Follow her @La__Cuen.