Transforming Trash Bags into “Pseudo-Aesthetics”: A Reflection on Contemporary Consumer Culture
In the 2025 Cross-Strait Chinese Character Cultural & Creative Competition, jointly organized by the Fujian Artists Association (China) and Xiamen University School of Creativity and Innovation, Assistant Professor Chen GoYen of Ming Chuan University Commercial Design Department won the Silver Award and a prize of 5,000 RMB for his work “Aesthetic Waste”, demonstrating the department’s innovative approach to cultural interpretation and visual expression.
The competition attracted over 5,000 submissions from young designers across both sides of the Taiwan Strait, making the contest highly competitive.
About the Work – “Aesthetic Waste”
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Theme: “Aesthetics vs. Consumption”
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Concept: The work critiques the contradiction between formal beauty and real needs, inspired by the excessive production, decoration, and disposal of goods during festive seasons.
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Design Approach: Black garbage bags are transformed into “gift-like” forms, symbolizing artificially packaged beauty that appears smooth, symmetrical, and perfect, yet satirically highlights overconsumption and waste.
Assistant Professor Chen commented:
“In contemporary society, ‘beauty’ is often commodified and superficial. Through this work, I hope viewers reconsider the true value of aesthetics and its sustainability.”
With minimalist yet striking visual language, Aesthetic Waste turns everyday waste into a culturally critical symbol, earning unanimous praise from the judges as a work with conceptual depth and social reflection.