Ruby Silvious' Tiny Paintings and Assemblages Reimagine Used Teabags

[Donkees]

From diminutive pieces of fine mesh, Ruby Silvious meticulously conjoins, stains, tears, and sculpts a range mixed-media collages and tiny paintings from repurposed teabags. She often incorporates other elements, such as sardine tins, thread spools, and cut paper elements. The bags are emptied and flattened and sometimes connected to form longer surfaces, often keeping the strings and tabs attached. Other times, Silvious further manipulates the soft paper substrate, creating life-size garments that possess an ethereal, even spectral quality.









This spring, Silvious’ work can be seen in group shows in Vermont, Maryland, Philadelphia, Massachusetts, and New York. During the summer, she will be collaborating with Málaga-based artist David Seaton, whose abstract paintings inspired some of Silvious’ recent paper pieces, followed by a show of both of their work in Rhonda, Spain. And in the fall, her pieces will also be included in a group exhibition at Gallery of Hermosa. See more and follow updates on Instagram.







https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/03/ruby-silvious-teabag-paintings-collages/

[crud]

1. In college in pursuit of my Fine Arts degree

I would paste brown grocery bags together (including printing) and use for multi-media paintings. I would already have a textured/imprinted surface to start with, and I saved money on canvas. Also loved the idea that something of transitory value has been given a new longer life.

[Fla Dem]

2. I cannot even wrap my mind around the creative ability of talented people.

What a wonderful display of talent and ingenuity. "Oh lets take used teabags and create wonderful art with them", I cannot even imagine.

Thank you Donkee.