Crafted from reclaimed plastics, metals, and found objects, Lighted Plastic Badger (2021) is a vibrant sculptural work by Portuguese artist Bordalo II. As part of his acclaimed Big Trash Animals series, this piece turns everyday waste into an illuminated portrait of wildlife—a comment on environmental degradation and human consumption.
The badger’s face emerges from a colorful mosaic of discarded materials—bike parts, tubing, electronics—all wired with neon and LED lights that give the sculpture an electric presence, especially when viewed in low light. The use of light not only animates the form but underscores the artificiality of the components, reinforcing the contrast between nature and man-made excess.
Bordalo II’s work challenges viewers to reconsider what we throw away and how it affects the ecosystems we take for granted. Lighted Plastic Badger is both a visual spectacle and a reminder that even waste can speak volumes when transformed with intention, and serves as a statement on the impact of consumerism on the natural world.
