Referencing the pervasive impact of plastic in our environment, Francis Baker creates one-of-a-kind cameraless photographs using plastic waste. Using plastic bottles and glasses under the sun, Baker “burns” the imprint of the synthetic objects into the photograph over silver gelatin paper. These “lumen” prints morph the presence of plastic into vibrant flowers and abstract landscapes, colluding the natural elements symbolized by the sun and our synthetic world.

Natalya Burd’s paintings and installations made from elaborate hand-painted colorful plexiglass and mirrors manipulate illusions and perspectives. Her magical and shimmering worlds, born from her immersion in nature and her exposure to stained glass art, are a sensual invitation to contemplation. The delicate lines and luminous hues in her large installation “Beyond the Sea” plunge the viewer into revery while the immediacy of the plexiglass and the ocean allude to somber realities.

Tara de la Garza’s practice is centered on her commitment to environmental justice and stewardship of the planet. Through her light sculptures, de la Garza brings life to single-use plastic objects, transforming them into radiant artworks whose presence is both undeniable and captivating. De la Garza’s ”Core Samples” pillars constructed from concrete and discarded materials are not unlike geological excavations, strata of a changing planet.

Katie Murken’s expansive sculptural installation evokes stained glass windows, filtering the light through intricate patterns fashioned from plastic bags. Her prints blend land imagery with collages of coupons and product advertisements and prompt reflection on consumerism and labor. Through cutting and assembling domestic materials with great care, Murken unveils the beauty in the mundane and renders homage to women’s work.

Joel Swanson’s text-based painting “[s] no. 2” impresses the viewer with its stark beauty, showcasing the enduring impact of words when etched and reiterated on plastic DYMO tape. Similarly, his sculpture “How Many Pink Pearl Erasers Would It Take to Create a Perfect Cube?” crafted from everyday pink erasers references the presence and dissolution of words, the enigmatic essence of language and artistic expression through synthetic materials.