René Konings invites us to pause and rethink our urban environment. Through his exploration of overlooked and discarded materials, he reveals the hidden beauty and potential within them, uncovering stories that are waiting to be told. René Konings is a Norwegian contemporary artist who focuses on transforming overlooked and discarded materials from urban environments into meaningful works of art. By exploring the unnoticed details in our cities, he reveals the hidden stories and beauty that often go unnoticed. His works are like time capsules, reflecting the past while prompting us to engage with the present and future potential of our surroundings. René’s work invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value and abundance, emphasizing the potential of what is typically deemed waste. Through beauty, he explores this topic with a commitment to sustainability, encouraging reflection on the relationship between art and the environment. His artistic practice challenges us to see the extraordinary within our everyday lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx