Bengaluru Artist Turns 200kg E-Waste Into Stunning Sculptures

When Vishwanath Mallabadi retired from Wipro, he didn't settle into a quiet life. Instead, he started collecting broken keyboards, old circuit boards, and junked gadgets from scrap dealers across Bengaluru.

What began as a hobby quickly transformed into something much bigger. Vishwanath realized the environmental damage caused by electronic waste and decided to turn it into something beautiful.

Over the past few years, the 63-year-old eco-artist has created more than 500 unique artworks from 200 kilograms of discarded electronics. His creations range from delicate jewelry that takes just minutes to craft, to massive sculptures that require months of careful planning and assembly.

One of his signature pieces stands six feet tall, made entirely from upcycled computer keyboard keys mounted on a mannequin. Each creation tells a story of transformation, turning potential pollution into eye-catching art.

"I started this as a fun activity," Vishwanath told The Better India. "Nobody knew what I was trying to do exactly, but upon learning about the implications of e-waste on the environment, I started creating murals and sculptures, and slowly it turned into a business."

The process demands patience and vision. Vishwanath carefully examines each piece of electronic waste, imagining how circuit boards might become wall art or how metal scraps could transform into wearable jewelry.

His work has caught international attention. Buyers from Europe, the Netherlands, the United States, and across India now purchase his one-of-a-kind pieces, turning his eco-friendly passion into a thriving business.

The Ripple Effect

Vishwanath's art does more than decorate walls. It sparks conversations about waste management and inspires others to see discarded materials as opportunities rather than garbage.

He was invited to speak at the first International Data Science Conference on UN Sustainable Development Goals, where he advocated for creative solutions to the growing e-waste crisis. His message is simple: with imagination and effort, we can turn environmental problems into beautiful solutions.

By transforming toxic waste into treasure, Vishwanath proves that retirement can be the start of your most meaningful work.