The Iberian Lynx Cat Sculpture in Lisbon, Portugal
The Iberian lynx, The Cat Sculpture, is made from garbage and plastics. Crafted for the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth 2019 and the Youth Forum Lisboa+21, the striking feline artwork was created by Bordalo II.
Utilizing discarded materials, the piece not only exemplifies the Portuguese artist’s “Trash Animals” concept but also emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in conversations about sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Through this artistic endeavour, Bordalo II aims to inspire a new generation to take action against waste and pollution, fostering a deeper connection between art, youth, and ecological awareness.
Accompanying this sculpture are the most modern shopping mall in Lisbon, Centro Vasco da Gama, and the largest indoor aquarium in Europe Oceanário de Lisboa.
About the artist
Artur Bordalo, known as Bordalo II, is a Lisbon-born artist recognized for his innovative approach to street art, which often involves creating large-scale sculptures and murals from recycled materials. His work reflects a deep commitment to environmental sustainability while paying homage to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo, merging traditional artistic values with contemporary practices to reinvigorate and reinterpret his family’s artistic heritage.
Bordalo II’s art poignantly addresses the themes of overproduction and waste, using discarded materials as both a medium and a message. By transforming “garbage” into striking sculptures and murals, he highlights environmental issues while creating unique pieces that are both visually captivating and thought-provoking. His work serves as a universal manifesto, aiming to inspire awareness and dialogue around sustainability and the urgent need to address our destructive consumption patterns, all while instilling a sense of hope for change.
Big Trash Animals Series
The Big Trash Animals series by Bordalo II focuses on large-scale representations of wildlife constructed primarily from waste materials, emphasizing the impact of human consumption on the environment and the animals themselves. By utilizing garbage—material that poses a direct threat to these creatures—Bordalo aims to foster an emotional connection between the viewer and the animals, prompting introspection about consumer habits and their consequences. His deliberate choice to depict native, endangered, or extinct species further amplifies the urgency of ecological issues, encouraging audiences to reflect on their behaviours and inspire change towards a more sustainable future.
There are currently 195 Big Trash Animals, spread all over the world. Having already travelled to several countries, the raw material collection process gave Bordalo the privilege of having a unique look at each city and its waste collection and treatment habits.
The Big Cats of Bordalo II
Bordalo II’s affection for cats is beautifully captured in sculptures like the Half Cougar in Los Angeles, where he combines artistic flair with a poignant message about environmental conservation.
The Half Lion sculpture made its debut at the Life is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas in 2018, further exemplifying Bordalo II’s passion for felines and his commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues.
Through such works, Bordalo highlights the intrinsic connection between human consumption patterns and wildlife preservation, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of these creatures while reflecting on their role in protecting them.
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