At the NCMA’s newest exhibit, “Fault Lines: Art and the Environment,” it may look like you’re gazing at a woven tapestry or a detailed painting. But move a little closer and really, the art is constructed with lipstick- and coffee-stained plastic lids or ironed-on bits of plastic bags.

Susie Ganch's "Remember Me Katrina" tapestry made from recycled coffee lids | Photo by RALtoday

The exhibit featuring striking artwork made from unexpected materials opens on Sat., April 2 and highlights contemporary

artists' take on the world's current environmental state. Through their multimedia and sculpture installations, artists highlight environmental crises like pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, environmental justice, sustainability, and restoration.

The Fault Lines exhibit was curated by staff at the NCMA and features 14 contemporary artists, including NC’s Kristen Stolle and her “Chemical Bouquet” collage.

A chandelier made from recycled water bottles | Photo by RALtoday

From afar, Kristen’s piece looks like a beautiful Victorian painting of flowers, but up close, the “painting” is really an intricate collage of botanical illustrations, syringes, pill bottles, and chemical containers.

We couldn’t step away from John Akomfrah’s “Four Nocturnes” film, filled with 50 minutes of drastic African landscape changes + the views of the declining elephant population. The artist highlights the sights and sounds of Africa and how the loss of forests affects its people.

“The beauty of the art [in the exhibit] is that it’s meant to draw you in to get closer and think about the impact you are making on the environment,” exhibit curator Linda Dougherty said. The museum will hold several events to go along with the exhibit including Earth Day celebrations, educator workshops, and eco-inspired art projects. Discover more Fault Lines events here.