ABOUT WASTETOPIA

Walk-through guests will begin their journey by entering through the illuminated (and covered) ‘Flotsam and Jetsam’ undersea walkway, taking pause at the ‘Oceans Eye’ with a visual plunge into a deep blue hole.

You’ll then have nine distinctive portholes following an ‘Artistic Bagua’ that aligns with layers of energies. Outwardly stimulating collections of illuminated upcycled relics along the short path will keep you delightfully distracted. Each area is teeming with artistic clusters to be interpreted and decoded by the viewer. A few inner thought-provoking questions await each vicinity and perhaps will be answered by the beholder. This experience is also accessible through mindfully placed QR codes that follow a map of each Port Hole.

Once connections have been made, a few curbside benches in ‘Remnant Reflection Reef ’ will be available for those who wish to absorb, excogitate, and ponder all that has been observed.

There will be an unexplainable enigma that will entice you to turn your gaze upward. Thoughts may temporarily desist as you are introduced to our ‘Ethereal Galactic Mermaid*’ with awe. The immense glowing light has granted her assurgency - releasing her from all the mounting pressures below. As she ascends from the depths of Wastetopia, she carries fragments of wisdom and sentiments bound for the next dimension.

Next, an open gate to the ‘Crystal Energy Portal ’ awaits. Layers upon intricate layers of glass relics have been transformed into captivating undersea sliver. Here, the essence of deep water engages with subtle vibrations and undulating lighting all leading the eye through a Shimmering Abyss, where Sentinels and Beacons usher your mind to the great beyond.

The final Under Pressure experience invites journeyers to write their own ‘Message in a Proverbial Bottle’, corresponding to the Bagua's colorful mystical port holes. These messages will be collected throughout the exhibit and will remain until the next full moon, where they be offered by way of ceremonial flames. As the smoke travels upwards these special sentiments will be guided through the hands of the Galactic Mermaid joining the universes above.

This eclectic trio hopes that by experiencing Wastetopia with eyes and minds open, visitors will leave with some elevated sense of awareness, enlightenment, and connection to these energies created and displayed from discards and waste.

Some art elements will be available for post-show purchase with a portion of proceeds benefitting PDX|WLF 2024

*Painting by artist: Jonothan Shiloka - Joshua Tree 2023

the Experience…

The FLOTSAM & JETSAM WALKWAY

The OCEANS EYE

The UNDERSEA BAGUA JOURNEY EXPERIENCE

REFLECTION REEF

ASCENSION GAZE

The CRYSTAL ENERGY PORTAL

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Inspired by the magic of light and fueled by artistic expression, PDXWLF transforms Portland into a vibrant canvas of dynamic performances and luminous creativity. Join us as we bring the spirit of light to life, creating a captivating experience that celebrates the intersection of art and illumination.