Play Norfolk

My friend and I stumbled across this treasure trove of (literal) trash crafted into art on the second floor of MacArthur Mall. We were killing time in the mall before the haunted place downstairs opened. My curiosity grew strong, as I was mesmerized by the colors and weirdness of it. I had to know what this was. It probed me to ask more questions with the urgency to seek answers. The gentleman informed me that it is an immersive art experience. I am a sucker for some immersive art. The seller for me was him being so straight faced and his dedicated commitment to convincing me that he was possibly a resident or may have had a friend that was from Garbage Town. It was either going to be $10 of très cool or a $10 regret. You will be advised to read the signs, which we did and you should too if you choose this mission to visit Garbage Town. Trust me, it will enhance the experience and make everything more clear.It is a macabre satire of the world's wasteful attitude. The world's inadequate collection of trash and improper disposal is portrayed in the installations. It forces one to open their eyes because the sizable amount of trash you're meandering through is right in front of you, not hidden out of sight. Garbage Town is where the rejected and excluded reside, a place where the "no longer wanted " inhabit. It brings to light the social injustices and issues that arise from this "throw away" mentality.There were installations that were quite humorous, but sad at the same time because there is truth to it. Garbage Town is a thought provoking experience that is impactful, if even for a moment for some. At the conclusion, you're left to decide whether you will choose to side with the sheep or the goat. The sheep and the goat are purposefully and respectively placed with the sheep on the right and the goat on the left. The sheep brightly lit, the goat placed in the dark among a red stained wall. It is a parable biblical reference to separate the sheep from the goats. In a sarcastic and facetious undertone, there is a small sign stating "it's not that serious -it's only your future". The sheep and goat are symbolic. Choose the sheep, you choose compassion and eternal life, hence the sheep is white and a light is illuminating it. Choose the goat, and you choose eternal judgment because of your choice to be stubborn, evil, & destructive. It's a powerful statement. This experience is deeper than it looks! Perhaps the gentleman, who happens to be the lead of this project wasn't acting after all? Maybe we are all part of the Garbage Town community, but we have not realized it? You might want to pause for some self reflection. Final take, it's a $10 experience that is in actuality, invaluable.

The exhibit is a very creative way to make an important point. Take a walk through and check it out. Staff were wonderful, too! There is a gift shop, as well, that has some really unique finds.