Environmental artist Maria Nissan - in pictures

  • Maria Nissan, an environmental activist and artist, creates an art installation from plastic waste collected from the streets, in Amman, Jordan. All photos: AFP
    Maria Nissan, an environmental activist and artist, creates an art installation from plastic waste collected from the streets, in Amman, Jordan. All photos: AFP
  • Nissan creates art from plastic bags, glass bottles, soda cans and sweets wrappers.
    Nissan creates art from plastic bags, glass bottles, soda cans and sweets wrappers.
  • She is trained in painting and drawing in the US and Italy.
    She is trained in painting and drawing in the US and Italy.
  • Nissan is on a mission to rid the world of the environmental scourge of single-use plastics through eye-catching art.
    Nissan is on a mission to rid the world of the environmental scourge of single-use plastics through eye-catching art.
  • Nissan also uses shisha pipe hoses to create art.
    Nissan also uses shisha pipe hoses to create art.
  • A US citizen of Iraqi origin, Nissan, 35, said she felt frustration and anger on seeing the piles of rubbish on the streets of Amman and in areas of natural beauty.
    A US citizen of Iraqi origin, Nissan, 35, said she felt frustration and anger on seeing the piles of rubbish on the streets of Amman and in areas of natural beauty.
  • Nissan points out that micro-plastics are polluting the soils, water and the wildlife.
    Nissan points out that micro-plastics are polluting the soils, water and the wildlife.
  • She collects and repurposes trash to create art — often collages themed on women's faces, flowers and Oriental motifs.
    She collects and repurposes trash to create art — often collages themed on women's faces, flowers and Oriental motifs.
  • Nissan's work has been exhibited in 12 shows in Jordan as well as in Italy and Greece.
    Nissan's work has been exhibited in 12 shows in Jordan as well as in Italy and Greece.
  • The artist urges people to avoid buying plastic products and to go shopping with reusable bags, and also advocates a tax on single-use plastics.
    The artist urges people to avoid buying plastic products and to go shopping with reusable bags, and also advocates a tax on single-use plastics.