Achilleas Souras is a 16-year-old artist from Greece who's project is on display at 'SOS Save Our Souls,' an installation currently showing at Milan design week. Inspired by the poignant and powerful image of refugee life vests that litter the shores of many Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Achilleas Souras creates igloo-like structures out of actual vests discarded on the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos.
The igloo on display at SOS Save Our Souls is composed of over 1,000 vests, but the concept was based off of an earlier creation by the artist that used just 52. The theory behind them is simple enough: not only do these igloos show off the sheer amount of refugees displaced from their home countries, but they also provide waterproof temporary shelters for those with no other option.
Poignant Life Vest Igloos
Greek Artist Achilleas Souras Builds Igloos Out of Refugee Life Vests
Trend Themes
1. Refugee Crisis Awareness - Creating art installations using discarded life vests raises awareness about the refugee crisis and the plight of displaced individuals.
2. Recycled Material Sculptures - Using discarded materials like life vests to create sculptures promotes sustainable and eco-friendly art practices.
3. Temporary Shelters Innovation - Designing temporary waterproof shelters using materials like life vests offers disruptive innovation opportunities for humanitarian aid organizations.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can explore using recycled materials and focusing on social and political issues through installations and sculptures.
2. Sustainable Fashion - The fashion industry can incorporate recycled materials like life vests into their designs, promoting eco-conscious and socially responsible fashion.
3. Humanitarian Aid - The humanitarian aid industry can explore innovative solutions for providing temporary shelters in emergency situations using waterproof and sustainable materials like life vests.