Recycled Floppy Disk Artworks
Taylor Smith Turns Old Floppy Disks Into Large-Scale Paintings
Kanesa D — March 9, 2026
Taylor Smith is an innovative artist transforming obsolete computer floppy disks into striking large-scale portrait artworks, giving new life to materials long considered electronic waste. Each piece is hand-assembled from hundreds of recycled disks, forming the canvas for screen-printed and painted portraits of iconic figures from the media.
Amidst the piece, original labels on the disks are intentionally preserved, adding historical and conceptual layers to the work. Smith describes the process as a collaboration with the original data owners, whose digital histories now contribute to the visual and tactile texture of the pieces.
Floppy disks, largely obsolete by the early 2000s, are notoriously difficult to recycle due to their plastic casing, metal shutter, and magnetic coating. By repurposing them into art, Smith extends their lifespan while highlighting both material and cultural sustainability.
