junk art

noun

1. sculptural assemblage constructed from discarded materials, as glass, scrap metal, plastic, and wood.

Other Word Forms

• junk artist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of junk art¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“Junk art, assemblage art … it’s as close to human existence because it’s all castoffs we are utilizing here,” Noah Purifoy once said in an interview with fellow artist Joan Robey.

From Los Angeles Times

These days in South Los Angeles, it can feel as if there is no refuge for the kind of imaginative act that Purifoy envisioned via his junk art.

From Los Angeles Times

Along with practitioners like John Outterbridge and Betye Saar, Purifoy was a key figure in the cultivation of assemblage, or “junk art,” as he called it.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, everyone loses everything that matters, while the world fills up with junk bonds, junk mail, junk education, junk food and junk art.

From Los Angeles Times

“Junk art is more compelling and well received by people, rather than just saying let’s not litter. We can make an interesting image and it attracts people’s attention,” 30-year-old Kim said.

From Reuters