From auto-scrap to art: Tunisian artist creates sculptures from car parts

Artist and his team create monumental human and animal sculptures in steampunk style

Tunisian artist Mohamed Al Sharaiti, 53, manufactures human and animal-shaped sculptures from car spare parts at his workshop in Nabeul, Tunisia. All photos: EPA

Tunisian artist Mohamed Al-Sharaiti, 53, manufactures human- and animal-shaped sculptures from spare parts of cars at his workshop in Nabeul, Tunisia, 17 September 2021. Al-Sharaiti first cleans the scraps before assembling his creations. Once put together, he burns the sculpture with fire to rid it of oils, impurities, and dirt, then proceeds with the painting process according to the customer's request. Some customers want him to paint the models while others prefer them unpainted. EPA / MOHAMED MESSARA

Once assembled, he burns the sculpture with fire to rid it of oils, impurities and dirt.

He then proceeds with the painting process according to each customer's request.

Some customers want him to paint the models, while others prefer a more rustic look.

His larger-than-life creations are certainly eye-catching.

From towering giraffes to metallic mermaids that look like they belong on a sci-fi film set – Mohamed Al Sharaiti transforms scrap materials into sculptural art.

Working in the Tunisian coastal town of Nabeul, the artist aged 53, along with a group of other art makers uses spare parts of cars to manufacture large-scale sculptures.

Among Al Sharaiti’s eye-catching creations is a rearing horse comprised of discarded spokes, hubs and metal bars.

His process begins by cleaning the scraps before assembling the works, which often borrow from the steampunk aesthetic. Once put together, he gets rid of oils, impurities and dirt by burning the sculpture with fire. He then turns to the painting process, catering to customers’ specific requests. Other times, he leaves the works unpainted, highlighting the elements of machinery and emphasising the sculpture’s industrial look.

In his workshop, Al Sharaiti is surrounded by a number of ongoing projects, including a life-size astronaut. He is also continuing work on a bull sculpture and a monumental gorilla-like monster with fangs.