Ubiquitous plastic has become a pronounced symbol of unmindful consumerism and a throw-away society. In Ode to Despair, Madhvee Deb intentionally aestheticises discarded single-use plastic bags, transforming them into delicate, and almost painterly images. This visual allure mirrors the convenience and surface appeal that normalises plastic’s presence in everyday life.

Extending beyond the photographic image, Deb repurposes the same material into intricate, hand-carved, thermally fused mixed-media works. These objects resist the disappearance typically associated with single-use plastic, insisting on its physical persistence. By drawing viewers in through beauty before revealing the material’s true identity, it establishes an introspective dialogue between the artist and the audience. Her goal is to urge us all to question our daily routines and cultivate a heightened awareness of our surroundings. These reflections can transform our role from being an abettor to being a contributor.