If you find yourself in Loughborough Junction, make sure you pop into the Platform Cafe for some delicious vegetarian food and to catch Upcycled Works – a collection of pieces by local artist, Jo Gibbs. Quirky and whimsical, Jo’s work is made from repurposed and recycled materials – “junk made beautiful”. But behind each piece is a serious message. Jo’s work is ringing an ecological alarm bell as she highlights the various ways in which we are damaging the natural world. A scallop shell encased in a Tunnock’s wrapper tells the story of the destruction wrought by the palm oil industry and ocean dredging. “Critters” – her animal heads made from cartons, shells and avocado skins ask us to celebrate not destroy species after species. Her work with mirrors suggests different ways of seeing the world. The show is at once light hearted and troubling. Time to save the environment is running out and Jo Gibbs does well to remind us that the clock is ticking.
The show runs until the new year in the Platform Cafe, 2 Ridgway Road SW9 7AH. Open 9am – 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.
