Surveillance Scarab, Sparkthropod, Praying Manti (From the Silicon Swarm Series)

Silicon Swarm is a series of sculptural masks which meticulously transform electronic waste into insect-like creatures. The masks depict various species of insects such as the dung beetle, tsetse fly, and praying mantis. At the core of Knoetze's work is a deep exploration of technology and its relationship to humans and nature. Through the process of upcycling electronic waste into sculptural forms, the artist highlights the excessive consumerism and waste produced by the technological age. Knoetze's work invites us to consider the ecological impact of our rapidly advancing technological world and to reflect on the sustainability of our consumption habits.