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T.W. Pilar is an artist and designer known for creating art that challenges convention, starts exciting discussions, and brings communities together. This fall, people in Atlanta will get to see her artwork as she partners with Memento Gallery to put on a special show called HYPEROBJECTS from October 19th to November 19th. But this is no ordinary show—Pilar has envisioned a space alive with community engagement, local collaboration, and shared celebration that exceeds artistic expression.
Pilar’s journey into the art world began with a question: "How did this all start?" Such a simple query led to her profoundly exploring industrial byproduct textures, specifically focusing on the plastic shopping bags we all use and throw away without thinking. These questions made her look more closely at how we buy too much and create too much waste and what that means for the world. For Pilar, making art isn't only about making something beautiful to look at. She uses her art to tell stories about how we can live in a way that's better for the environment.
A striking example of this philosophy in action, Pilar’s latest collection uses shopping bags, a symbol of disposable culture, transforming them through a meticulous, hands-on process. She quilts the bags together, melting their edges, creating patterns of burns and scars, and then frames them in steel. This technique highlights the unexpected beauty of materials most consider disposable. While some pieces in the collection are finished with a glossy, refined appearance, others maintain their original, unaltered state, with no attempt to hide the true nature of the material. Each piece is special regardless of the finish and tells a different story.
However, HYPEROBJECTS is more than a gallery of artworks. Pilar envisages her exhibition as a community experience. She plans to host several events in collaboration with local community figures throughout its duration, turning the space into a hub for dialogue and shared experiences. Inside the gallery, where there are quilted sculptures and quiet discussions, people won't just see art—they'll find a question, something to think about, and a glimpse of what could happen in the future.
Pilar is not merely presenting art; she's inviting you to question, reflect, and change your perspective. She challenges the viewer to rethink their footprint, to recognize the beauty and potential in what we throw away, and to see that sustainability isn't a distant concept but an intimate, immediate responsibility.
Starting from October 19th, Pilar's HYPEROBJECTS promises to be a journey for the eyes, mind, and soul. This comprehensive experience showcases art and design and delves into the essence of community and shared responsibility. By fusing her artistic vision with pressing environmental issues, Pilar reinforces the belief that art is a powerful tool for change.
HYPEROBJECTS isn't just about T.W. Pilar showcasing her talent—it's about an artist using her platform to spotlight urgent societal issues. Through her work, Pilar invites Atlanta and the broader art community to admire, reflect, and take action. This is Pilar's vision—a harmonious blend of art, design, and community, all driven by purpose.
Photography by: Courtesy of TW Pilar
