From Waste to Wall
From reinterpreting autism to reimagining single-use products – artist James Owen Thomas is changing perspectives in Edinburgh this summer.
About From Waste to Wall
Leith’s Image Collective Gallery launches thought-provoking new exhibition
‘From Waste to Wall’ with an opportunity to meet the artist
Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, art has played an important role throughout James Owen Thomas’ life as a means of communication and expression.
Now aged 21, the multi award-winning artist views his autism not as a disability, but as a different kind of ability. And it is because of James’ unique ability to change perspectives that his latest exhibition, From Waste to Wall, is sure to attract attention.
Debuting at Edinburgh’s Image Collective Gallery, From Waste to Wall features a range of thought-provoking collages, each one created using unwanted single-use products such as discarded lottery tickets. The artworks are intricately detailed – embodying James’ ethos that something genuinely beautiful can be created from items that others may deem as useless.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition opening, the North Yorkshire artist commented; “By creating collages from thousands of tiny pieces of discarded materials, I aim to make a positive statement about recycling. I have been exhibiting my unique style of environmental art since the age of 15 and I’m delighted to be displaying my art for the first time in Scotland this summer.”
The exhibition is being brought to Edinburgh thanks to the Image Collective Gallery owner, Sara Thomson, who first met James when they were both selected by PM Boris Johnson to become a COP26 One Step Greener Ambassador in 2021.
Explaining her appreciation of James’ work, Sara said; “When I saw James’ work displayed at COP26 I was immediately struck by how intricate and beautiful each collage is. I was also moved by the powerful message he is putting out there – the idea that we need to change our attitudes, behaviour, perceptions, and perspectives if we’re going to save the planet.”
The From Waste to Wall exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday 2nd August at The Image Collective Gallery and runs until Friday 30th September. The exhibition is free to view.
James Owen Thomas will be working on a live piece of art at The Image Collective Gallery on Tuesday 2nd August, 10am - 3pm, during which all are welcome to come and meet the artist.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Edinburgh Art Fair
The annual Edinburgh Art Fair, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, returns to Edinburgh Corn Exchange this September!
READ MORE
Stone, Bone & Linen
Stone, Bone & Linen is a group show from three well-known Scottish based artists showing at Dundas Street Gallery from 18th to 29th September!
READ MORE
Recurring Themes by Keiko Mukaide and Simon Ward
Recurring Themes is a ceramics and glass exhibition which presents the intriguing and unexpected creative art works by Simon Ward and Keiko Mukaide.
READ MORE
Scotland: An Inner Journey – A Photography Exhibition
Embark on a visual journey into the soul of Scotland through the lens of Sergio Romero at the Institut Français d’Écosse!
READ MORE
Patterns of Life: Jenny Martin RSW at Morningside Gallery
A new exhibition of work from Scottish artist Jenny Martin RSW, an Edinburgh-based painter and printmaker, is showing at Morningside Gallery from 20th September.
READ MORE
Thoughts of Home - A Collaborative Exhibition at The Biscuit Factory
Created in partnership with Eleanor Cunningham and Cyrenians, this special event at The Biscuit Factory on 23rd September, explores what it means to feel at home and grounded in a sense of belonging!
READ MORE
Beneath: An Oak & Ember Exhibition
Beneath: An Oak & Ember Exhibition, is a descent into the unseen, the buried, the hidden. Catch it at Whitespace Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Parallels III
Catch Parallels III, a group exhibition showcasing the work of Anna Gormezano Marks, Fiona Luing, Jenni Colquhoun and Solii Brodie, spanning art, illustration and jewellery.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop - Doors Open Day
Discover creativity on your doorstep as Edinburgh Open Workshop invites you to step inside for Doors Open Day 2025 on Saturday 27th September!
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links