FIU’s Ratcliffe Art and Design Incubator celebrated the proclamation of “Geographies of Trash” Day by visionary artist David Anasagasti, also known as Ahol Sniffs Glue, on Monday.
Anasagasti is known for his inventive urban artistic exploration where he transforms trash into valuable art pieces. By challenging conventional perspectives, his work sells lucratively online, redefining waste and recycling.
“This art project is a combination of the different stuff I do,” said Anasagsti. “I’m using my art, and what people know of my art, to put it on trash and make it sought after enough for people to want to get out of their house to go chase it.”
Faculty members from the university’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts gathered with local artists involved in the “Geographies of Trash” project. It also featured Graham Winick, Miami-Dade County’s chief of administration for the Department of Cultural Affairs, as he presented the proclamation on behalf of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“It’s really important because we want to make sure that we keep our environment clean,” said North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean. “We also want to make sure that we encourage our residents to exercise to really get creative to clean up their space, and to find new ways to make old things become treasures and things that we can collect.“
With over two decades of experience in street art and graffiti culture, Anasagsti’s creative journey has evolved over the years. His work has resulted in captivating paintings and drawings with staggering prices reaching up to $80,000.
The Miami native plans on continuing the project and inspiring others to make use of street trash.