The world faces a garbage dilemma. Trash threatens to take over, yet we continue to consume. “I am one of millions producing trash daily,” says jeweler and activist Suzette Gabriel-Schoebitz. “I do not want to leave my grandchildren such a polluted world.”

Instead of letting trash go to “waste,” Suzette says, much of it can be repaired, reused, or recycled. Such is the philosophy behind her jewelry collection in her exhibition, FROM TRASH TO TREASURE. It began with pieces her clients no longer wanted. Rather than throw them out, she supplemented them with parts she found in flea markets, second-hand stores, and trading posts — turning others’ trash into renewed treasure.

Accompanying the collection and calendars as TRASH IN NYC, a collection of photographs from Alfonso Sjogreen, documenting waste throughout the city. The photographs served as a reminder of how much we consume, how much waste we produce, and how we often live side by side with what we've thrown away.

During Suzette's opening reception, we were treated with a special "trash mob" performance from the renowned German dance group, CocoonDance, as choreographed by the group's director, Rafael Giovanola-Endrass.

The proceeds of Suzette's collection went to benefit Plastic-Free Nam Ou, which aims to set up garbage collection, recycling, and a disposal system in Muong Ngoi, an idyllic village in Laos which threatens to be overrun by waste from their booming tourist industry.

About the artists

Suzette Gabriel-Shoebitz is an artist working out of Munich, Germany and Luang Prabang, Laos. Born in NYC, she grew up in Tokyo and Paris, and began her professional life first as a ballet dancer with the world-renowned Stuttgart Ballet. After she retired from dance, she became a jeweler, starting her own label, “Suzette One of a Kind Jewelry.” Her collections have been shown in exhibitions and performances in collaboration with artists in Luang Prabang, Munich, and New York City. She has been recognized by the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, for her work. Learn more about Suzette in our interview with her.

Alfonso Sjogreen is a photographer, filmmaker, and lifelong New Yorker. Originally a graphic designer studying at Parsons School for Design, his love of storytelling expanded to the forms of photo, and later, video and film. His work has led him to collaborate with brands such as Adidas, Urban Outfitters, and Refinery29. In 2018, he had a solo show featuring his portraiture work. His influences include Steve McCurry, Christopher Thomas, Paolo Roversi, Mark Magidson, Irving Penn, Terrence Malick, Alfonso Cuarón, and other icons in film and photography. He gains inspiration from travel, architecture, cinema, and his faith. He’s thrilled to be part of FROM TRASH TO TREASURE, and is currently based in NYC.