A three-week art exhibition entitled Beautiful Nonsense, which transforms discarded materials into captivating artwork to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and waste management in Ghana, has opened in Accra.

The solo exhibition, featuring the work of Ghanaian artist Kwame Lanto, showcases thought-provoking pieces created entirely from waste. Lanto draws inspiration from his childhood experiences growing up near a landfill in Mempasem, where he developed a unique perspective on the potential of waste for creative reuse.

His artwork challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with waste and the environment, promoting sustainability and ecological consciousness.

Hosted by the Christiansborg Archaeological Heritage Project, the exhibition features a diverse collection of works crafted from materials such as plastic, e-waste, and fabric waste. Each piece tells a story of renewal and transformation, encouraging visitors to reflect on their consumption habits and the broader implications of waste.

According to Kwame Lanto, his art offers a message of hope and possibility, demonstrating that even in the face of environmental challenges, there is space for creativity, innovation, and positive change. The exhibition invites audiences to look beyond the surface of discarded objects and find beauty in the overlooked.

Lanto emphasised that the show serves as a reminder that individual actions can lead to positive change in communities and beyond, inspiring people to make a difference, one step at a time.

Professor Rachel Ama Asaa Engmann, Director of the Christiansborg Archaeological Heritage Project, expressed pride in hosting their first solo exhibition. She highlighted that Lanto's work compels viewers to rethink issues surrounding consumption, value, waste, and environmental justice.

She noted that the artist sourced his materials from landfill sites in Accra and Takoradi, transforming them into evocative artworks. “The exhibition is a testament to the power of art in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of individual actions in creating positive change,” she stated.