Erik Jon Olson: Waste Not
on view May 3, 2025 to August 24, 2025
Erik Jon Olson, (American b. 1959), California Dreamin' (2024), quilted plastic waste, 54” x 54”
Waste Not showcases the work of Erik Jon Olson, an artist renowned for transforming waste plastic and discarded remnants of the manufacturing process into captivating quilted installations. Olson's practice merges environmental advocacy with contemporary art, elevating materials often deemed worthless into striking visual statements. He uses nothing new to make his art. Assembled from colorful plastic waste, his work challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with consumerism, sustainability, and the legacy of mass production. Through intricate layering and a bold use of texture, Olson reimagines discarded objects, demonstrating the potential for beauty in the most unexpected places. Olson strives to minimize his carbon footprint in the creation of his pieces, elevating the medium without denying its true nature.
“By layering environmental issues with social justice messaging, my art emphasizes our alienation from the environment and each other, our willingness to waste, and our subsequent need for healing.”
Support Comes From
This exhibition project is presented by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, a nonprofit mission-driven art museum located on the shores of the Upper Mississippi River. MMAM gratefully acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from foundations, corporations, individuals, members and volunteers.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.