Between March and May of 2024, an unforgettable collaboration took shape in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as a group of talented 11th and 12th-grade students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) played a vital role in creating a new public art installation. The project centered around Bordalo II’s Plastic Rooster, a monumental sculpture crafted from discarded materials that brings awareness to environmental issues through art.
An Artistic Vision with a Purpose
Bordalo II is an internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist known for his thought-provoking “Trash Art.” By constructing intricate animal portraits using materials like old car parts, plastic waste, and scrap metal, he highlights the very materials responsible for the destruction of these creatures’ habitats. His “Big Trash Animals” series, which the “Plastic Rooster”now belongs to, is designed to challenge viewers to reflect on the environmental consequences of waste and pollution.
When DATMA partnered with Bordalo II to bring his work to the city, we saw an opportunity to not only create an impactful sculpture but also to involve local students in the process. That’s where the Metal Fabrication and Welding students at GNBVT stepped in.
Building the “Plastic Rooster” – A Collaborative Effort
Under the guidance of their teachers, Steven Flowers, Joel Gonzalez, Brendon Pequita, and Steve Lopes, the GNBVT students took on the exciting challenge of fabricating and welding the structural framework and base for the “Plastic Rooster.” This process wasn’t just about putting pieces of metal together; it involved detailed engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. Working alongside Bordalo II’s team in Lisbon, the students had the unique opportunity to experience the intersection of art and fabrication firsthand.
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The core group of students — Emily Andre, Jamileishka Baez, Yarellis Cabrera, Simone Chaplin, Logan Edwards, Ariana Fernandes, Ryan Fernandes, Luis Daniel Garcia, Alexis Medeiros, Luke Daivid Medeiros, Nylah Merkman, Michael Perdomo, Brett Pomfret, Travis Peltier, Sarah Renovato, Aissatou Sakho, Jason Sanders, Bryce Strawn, and Ethan Tavares— were all instrumental in creating the steel skeleton that would support Bordalo II’s artistic vision. Their contributions were essential in bringing the piece to life.
Inspiring Students and Creating Lasting Impact
The experience offered these young metal fabricators more than just technical skills. By participating in the creation of a public art piece that addresses global environmental concerns, they became part of a larger conversation about sustainability, responsibility, and the power of art to inspire change.
“This DATMA project may or may not be a one time life opportunity. Working as a group and trying to understand everything together has shown me that working with a team can make anything happen. This project means a lot to me by culture and community.”
– Emily (GNBVT Student)
Students learned new techniques, gained hands-on experience, and developed a sense of pride in contributing to their community in a meaningful way. Seeing their work displayed in downtown New Bedford not only builds their confidence in their craft but also strengthens their connection to their city. The “Plastic Rooster” will stand as a symbol of that collective effort and pride, aligning with the city’s rich Portuguese heritage and the values embodied in the “Legend of the Rooster”—a story celebrating justice, integrity, and love of life.
“The DATMA project is more than just a project, it’s a symbol. It symbolizes unification and how people can come together, not only to work on a project, but to come together to do something good for our community. The one thing I can’t stop thinking about is how both teams were able to collaborate and work together on this project despite being from different parts of the world. And we’re all from different backgrounds but fate brought us together to do something that’s bigger than all of us. I hope when people walk by and see the work we’ve done they’ll see more than just the art, but the message and what it means. I hope it brings people together the same way it brought us together.”
— M (GNBVT Student)
A Symbol of Change:
The collaboration between DATMA, Bordalo II, GNBVT, and the city of New Bedford demonstrates the power of art to educate, inspire, and mobilize a community. As the “Plastic Rooster” takes its place in the heart of the city, it will continue to remind us all to reconsider our relationship with the environment, and it will stand as a testament to the talent, dedication, and creativity of New Bedford’s next generation of makers.
“Plastic Rooster” represents more than just an art installation—it’s a community project that has brought together students, artists, and public workers to make something truly unique. The efforts of the GNBVT students, their instructors, and the local community have not only created a monumental sculpture but also contributed to a larger dialogue about sustainability and the role we all play in shaping a better future for our planet.
Interested in partnering with DATMA on a hands-on educational program? Contact [email protected]