Artist Evan Bobo’s “EARTHBALLS” installation demonstrates how sustainable art can serve multiple purposes, from public engagement to animal enrichment.
A massive, interactive, sustainable art piece that delighted visitors at Miami’s premier art festival has found an unexpected new home – bringing joy to rescued orangutans and chimpanzees at a Florida wildlife sanctuary.
The sculpture, called “EARTHBALLS,” created by artist Evan Bobo from woven palm tree leaves, has been donated to the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida. The piece first captured attention at Collins Park during Art Basel Miami Beach, where festival-goers were invited to push and roll the spherical structure.
From Art Festival to Animal Enrichment
The sustainable artwork’s journey from a prestigious art show to an animal sanctuary marks an innovative approach to both art sustainability and animal welfare. The Center for Great Apes, which houses 66 primates, will use the piece to provide mental and physical stimulation for its residents.
Many of these animals previously lived as entertainment performers or exotic pets before finding sanctuary at the facility, which stands as the only accredited orangutan sanctuary in the United States. The center provides lifetime care for orangutans and chimpanzees who can no longer serve in the entertainment industry, research, or the exotic pet trade.
Behind the Creation
Working in a modest 10×10 storage unit, artist Bobo spent three months weaving royal palm fronds into the interactive sculpture. The creative process involved careful selection of materials that would be both durable enough for public interaction and safe for eventual animal contact.
As the founder of the sustainable art installation practice Explore More Beyond, Bobo focuses on transforming discarded materials into meaningful art that sparks conversations about environmental responsibility. His work often challenges traditional boundaries between art and audience.
The piece featured playful “ROLL ME” stamps that encouraged visitors to physically engage with the art – a rare invitation in the typically hands-off world of fine art exhibitions. This interactive element proved particularly popular during Miami Art Week, where visitors of all ages participated in moving and exploring the sculpture.
Innovation in Sustainable Art
The use of royal palm leaves as the primary material represents a growing trend in sustainable art creation. These natural materials, often discarded after routine tree maintenance, find new purpose in Bobo’s work. The approach demonstrates how artists can contribute to environmental conservation while creating compelling installations.
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Impact on Sanctuary Residents
Initial observations show the sanctuary’s residents, including chimpanzees named Stryker, Oopsie, and Bubbles, actively engaging with the artwork. The natural materials and rolling motion provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation for the primates.
The sanctuary’s enrichment program coordinator notes that novel items like “EARTHBALLS” help prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviors in the resident apes. The piece’s mobility allows the sanctuary to move it between different enclosures, providing varied experiences for different groups of residents.
Environmental Innovation in Art
The project demonstrates how art can serve multiple purposes – first as a public installation encouraging human interaction, then as enrichment for sanctuary animals. This dual-purpose approach extends the artwork’s lifespan while supporting environmental sustainability through the use of natural materials.
Art with Purpose
The donation to the Center for Great Apes represents a growing trend of sustainable artists considering the full lifecycle of their works. Rather than allowing the installation to be dismantled after Miami Art Week, Bobo’s decision ensures it continues to serve a meaningful purpose.
Future Impact
The success of this project may inspire other artists to consider alternative uses for their installations after initial exhibitions. It also highlights the potential for creative solutions in animal enrichment programs at sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers nationwide.
