Yemil Mejias

Artist Statement

My work is a visual dialogue between urban waste and animal life.
Based in Miami—a city deeply connected to the ocean and vulnerable to climate change—I repurpose discarded materials (such as parts from vacuum cleaners, tape recorders, and bicycles, as well as bottle caps, wood, and found objects) to bring to life majestic marine creatures and other animals, including sharks, rays, insects, snails, opossums, foxes, and crocodiles.
Through the process of upcycling, I transform ephemeral, forgotten resources into dynamic, complex, and richly textured sculptures. Each piece embodies a dual narrative: the raw, industrial memory of human consumption and the fluid, organic beauty of animal life. By turning trash into art, I aim to challenge the viewer's perception of waste and spark urgent reflection on ocean and environmental conservation.