Mexican Víctor Palacios Transforms Recycled Materials into Functional and Decorative Art

Creativity and ingenuity drove Víctor Palacios to bring “Arte en Lata” to life, a project that for approximately five years has been converting recycled materials into original artistic and utilitarian pieces, as stated by the newspaper El Mañana de Nuevo Laredo (Tamaulipas).

Palacios started by using discarded aluminum cans to make decorative figures, and over time he incorporated other disused materials such as scrap metal, old tires, and metal tool parts. His catalog includes everything from animals and vehicles—such as cars and trailers—to flowers and planters, all made with a distinct artisanal style.

“I mainly recycle materials like cans and scrap metal that others consider garbage. My creations vary in complexity and size, using different types of cans, and are offered at different prices. We regularly participate in local bazaars and exhibitions to showcase and sell our work,” Víctor explained.

The artist noted that the creation of each figure takes him about two days, whether it is his own piece or a special order. Regarding obtaining the raw material, he commented that in addition to collecting it personally, he has the help of family and friends who supply him with the necessary materials to continue his creative work.

“I started looking for an extra source of income in addition to my regular job. What began as a hobby is now a future project, with the intention of dedicating myself completely to it. We move forward calmly, but with a lot of passion,” he added.

The prices of his products range from 30 pesos for the smallest pieces to around 400 pesos for the most elaborate and large figures. Creations made with scrap metal range between 80 and 300 pesos, depending on their size and detail.

For Víctor Palacios, the value of his work lies in transforming what many see as waste into objects with decorative and artistic value, thus offering a new life and meaning to those materials.