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UNITED STAR OF EUROPE

The UNITED STAR OF EUROPE is the result of an EU art project that I launched in December 2022. Via a call on Instagram, I asked trash collectors and artists from the 27 member states of the European Union to send yellow plastic trash they collected outside, photos and a text about themselves and their environmental activities.

This trash was used to create the 150 cm x 150 cm UNITED STAR OF EUROPE in the shape of the stars of the European flag. Texts and photos of the 61 project participants are published on this page. The star was on display for the first time 2024 at my exhibition TRASH MY WAY at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau, next to a QR code that leads to this page.

The star symbolises the plastic waste problem we all have, but at the same time also the many people who are not only aware of the problem but actively do something about it. It is a pleasure to read the texts of the participants and to look at their pictures. I am very impressed by what they achieve and how many others they have already inspired to do the same. I hope the star with its stories behind will be thought-provoking and inspiring.

THE PARTICIPANTS

On 9th April 2024 the collection was complete. 61 project participants from all 27 EU-countries had finally sent yellow plastic rubbish, pictures and texts, click on one of the links and you can read their stories.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

EXHIBITIONS AND RECOGNITION

	*Group Exhibition Democracy and Climate* 2026** The UNITED STAR OF EUROPE was selected by a jury through an international open call for the exhibition Democracy and Climate A total of 16 works were included. The exhibition is presented by Group Global 3000, an artist-run, non-commercial project space for sustainable art in Berlin-Kreuzberg, dedicated to ecological and social issues in contemporary art. Democracy and Climate explores the relationship between democratic participation and effective climate action, asking how societies can respond to the climate crisis through collective responsibility, informed dialogue, and long-term thinking. The exhibition brings together international artistic perspectives that connect environmental awareness with civic engagement and invites visitors to reflect on their own role within these processes. On view from April 10 to May 15, 2026, at Group Global 3000, Leuschnerdamm 19, Berlin. TrashmaidBerlin will be present on the following dates: Opening – 10 April, from 7 pm; Artist talk – 24 April, from 7 pm; 28 April – 5–8 pm; 8 May – 5–8 pm ---------------------------------
	Shortlisted for the Social Art Award 2025 More than 920 works from around the world were submitted for the Social Art Award 2025 – Planetary Healing: Blue Tribes for Ocean Health. Ten of them were nominated for the award by the jury. The UNITED STAR OF EUROPE was among the final top 10 nominees selected by the jury. The UNITED STAR OF EUROPE is a collective work—shaped not only from plastic waste collected in all 27 EU member states, but also by the symbolic meaning of this material. Each fragment represents the ongoing commitment of those across Europe who work every day for the good of our planet. This nomination, therefore, is not mine alone—it is a tribute to all those striving for a cleaner and better future.
	Jury Feedback „As one of the Top 10 shortlisted finalists, your work stood out for its originality, symbolic strength, and the commitment to uniting voices across all 27 EU member states. [...] The Jury appreciated: A strong concept and visual metaphor using yellow plastic EU stars to express urgency and unity Impressive activation of a trans-European grassroots network Clear alignment with the Social Art Award theme through focus on plastic pollution and collective care Powerful simplicity and storytelling, with contributors’ voices adding meaningful depth.“ *Social Art Award 2025 Jury Coordination Team* ---------------------------------
	*The Social Art Award Book 2025* The Star is featured in The Social Art Award Book 2025, which presents the 100 selected projects chosen by the jury. Free download ---------------------------------
	Solo Exhibition TRASH MY WAY The star was shown to the public for the first time from October 10 to November 28, 2024, at the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau as part of the solo exhibition TRASH MY WAY.

SOURCES/LINKS

Original map of Europe by: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/europe-map-vector_333750.htm