Toluca News – Two vibrant new works now adorn Toluca’s public space after a special ceremony this weekend. Venezuelan artist Oscar Olivares recycled murals from more than 20,000 plastic bottle caps each. The unveiling celebrated the 20th anniversary of Swiss bottle cap maker Corvaglia. Local officials, art lovers and company executives gathered to witness the colorful display.
Oscar Olivares recycled murals
Each mural measures several meters wide and stands as a testament to creative reuse. The artist mounted every cap on a wooden base. He used hot glue to secure each piece in place. The first mural depicts a stylized landscape that shifts with the light. The second piece features an abstract pattern that draws the eye across its surface. Together they showcase the textures and hues possible when waste transforms into art.
The artist highlighted the scale of the undertaking on his Instagram account. “Each mural is made on a wooden base, and we used hot glue to adhere each cap. Then came the arduous transport process until they finally arrived at their destination,” he wrote. The careful application of over 20,000 plastic bottle caps in each mural underlines both craftsmanship and environmental intent.
Collaboration with Corvaglia
The partnership between Olivares and Corvaglia underscores the link between industry and creativity. Founded in Switzerland two decades ago, Corvaglia supplies caps to beverage brands across the globe. For its 20th anniversary, the company invited Olivares to craft pieces that reflect its core mission of quality and responsibility. The murals now stand in Toluca as a reminder that industry byproducts can find new purpose.
Company representatives praised the project’s message. At the ceremony, Corvaglia’s Mexico director spoke of shared values. He said the murals embody the idea that small objects—when united—can leave a big impact. The artwork reinforces Corvaglia’s commitment to sustainability and to supporting local art initiatives.
Artist’s creative commitment
With these two installations, Oscar Olivares brings his total to 40 large-scale works in under three years. He began focusing on recycled materials in 2022. Since then, he has toured galleries, collaborated with nonprofits and captured global attention online. Critics note that his pieces blur the line between craft and fine art.
Olivares says his practice stems from a belief in art’s power to spark change. By giving discarded bottle caps a second life, he hopes to inspire viewers to rethink waste. He plans to expand his work to other cities in Mexico this year. His Instagram updates hint at upcoming projects in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
The two new murals in Toluca will remain on public display through December. Visitors can view them daily at the city’s Cultural Walk on Avenida Hidalgo. As they pass by, they encounter not only vibrant patterns but also a call to action. In transforming trash into beauty, Oscar Olivares recycled murals deliver a powerful lesson about creativity, community and care for the planet.
