Philadelphian Anthony Carlos Molden is a self-taught artist who uses mixed media to create his paintings and sculptural work. Here, Molden has created totem-like reliefs made of found objects sourced from construction sites, trash piles, and his network of friends who send him items for possible use. His interest in found materials comes from a desire to repurpose discarded objects. He calls it a “creative cleanup.” By recycling found elements, Molden instills them with a renewed energy.  

Light is an integral part of Molden’s totems as the embedded illumination not only adds more color, but the light provides motion and brings the work to life.

Molden has said that the totems are inspired by his “ancestors and influenced by the materials—their textures, shapes, and forms.” The sculptures are meant to “stimulate people’s wonder and spiritual centers while offering an artistic blessing for safe travel.”

Visit the artist on Instagram at @anthonycarlosmolden.