A litter picker from Oxford has started leaving litter 'bins' around the county in the name of art. 

The mystery artist, nicknamed Athirty4, decided to make a statement about litter pollution through wooden bins he has filled with plaster of paris crafted litter, one of which has been installed on St Giles' Street.

The project came about through the artist's fascination with what people discard without a thought.

READ MORE: But what is it? 16 snaps of unidentifiable objects

Oxford Mail: Athirty4 performance art on St Giles' Street in Oxford. Athirty4 performance art on St Giles' Street in Oxford.

He said: "I've been a voluntary litter picker for many years, and have finally decided to make a project about said subject, though there is a sense of irony in my project, because in order to make a point about litter pollution,  I’ve had to become a litter bug, to some degree.

"We’re all so used to seeing litter on our streets, a permanent tide mark, if you like, that it will be challenging for people to differentiate my artworks from real litter, although mine are without logos, and often arranged in a way that makes them look slightly odd."

Oxford Mail:

The artist said he has found some unusual objects over the years, from false hands to bushes full of decade old cans.

He added that, although he's not leaving actual litter, "it still feels like I'm crossing a line".

Oxford Mail: Ten green bottles at Trinity College in Oxford, by artist Athirty4.Ten green bottles at Trinity College in Oxford, by artist Athirty4.

You may notice more of his works popping up in Oxford and a number of other cities over the next few months.

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This story was written by Shosha Adie

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.   

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

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