Rollable TVs try to get out of your way when you don’t need them, but this TV really wants to make its presence felt no matter what.
TVs are undergoing a shift, one that’s possibly much more significant than curved screens. Once simply seen as entertainment hardware, TVs are turning into decorative pieces or, in some cases, becoming invisible. The rollable TVs that LG is pushing are designed to be out of sight in their dormant state, but some manufacturers, including LG and Samsung, are turning them into furniture that could also be used as decor to liven up a room. This has opened a new avenue for TV manufacturers to explore and differentiate, and one, in particular, seems to be taking that potential to the extreme with a huge television set that folds down into some semblance of an art piece designed to call everyone’s attention.
No, this isn’t a foldable TV in the sense of a foldable phone like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. While the display does collapse and expand like an accordion, the C SEED N1 is actually made up of five distinct panels that together form a single picture. Whether you’ll be able to make out the seams while watching TV will probably depend on your proximity to the screen, but the cutting-edge 4K MicroLED display promises to offer enough distractions for you to even notice those lines. The TV comes in size options of 103, 137, and 165 inches, ensuring that the C SEED N1 is really the center of attraction when it’s in use.
It remains a visual focal point, however, even when it isn’t in active use and folded down. After the screen collapses on itself, the TV slowly lowers itself down, pivoting on its stand to form a long metallic structure reminiscent of a bench. You wouldn’t want to sit on it, of course, even though it’s made from aerospace-grade aluminum.
Some might take issue with how the TV manufacturer describes the TV’s folded form as having sculptural quality, but there’s no argument that it definitely looks stylish in that state. That said, the C SEED N1 isn’t just a form of art in its passive form but also has an element of kinetic art whenever it switches from art piece to entertainment system. The TV’s slow yet smooth movement almost seems to defy the laws of physics, given the weight and stiffness of its body.
The C SEED N1 does take up a lot of space, whether it’s folded down or standing up, thanks to that metal base. It can rotate 180 degrees left or right, though, so there’s some flexibility available when it comes to setting it up in a room. The biggest dealbreaker will, of course, be the price. For something as avant-garde as this, you can’t really expect this to be anything but expensive, and the $190,000 starting price is a testament to that.
Minimalism remains the dominant design philosophy in many of today’s products, both physical and virtual, but it’s hardly the only way to make products. In the past years, there has been a rise in the desire for more expressive forms and displays, with artists and designers finding inspiration in maximalist schools of thought. Of course, maximalism isn’t about excess for excess’ sake, nor does it simply mean throwing anything and everything into the pot. Every line, every curve, and every detail still has a rhyme and reason, even if it isn’t immediately evident at first glance. Take, for example, this chair, whose spindly wires might evoke uncomfortable emotions but is actually inspired by a butterfly resting on a flower floating on a gently flowing river.
Designer: Yejoong Choi
To some extent, it’s almost more difficult to embrace maximalism because every element still needs a reason to be there. Knickknacks nudge memories or bring delight, while clashing colors create interest without causing nausea. Flowers littering the surface of a chair are more than just whimsical embellishments, and metal wires sprouting in every direction have a message to convey. In this case, the “Kkoch-Galam” chair is not only named after a river with flowers but is designed to call to mind that pleasant, rural scenery, albeit with an almost eccentric, artistic twist.
The wide square base that serves as the seat and the tapered backrest are both filled with floral patterns, with each chair in the collection corresponding to the four seasons. When viewed from the front, the chair looks like a river flowing towards you and then pooling in a small pond where the flowers and leaves are all gathered in an almost kaleidoscopic display of nature’s colors. That’s mostly thanks to the use of mother-of-pearl inlays that make up the petals in this elegant composition.
The most distinctive part of the chair, however, is not the chair itself but the metal wires that curve and loop around it. Seemingly chaotic at first, the designer intended to represent the silhouette of a gentle butterfly calmly sitting on a flower on that very same river. Of course, it might not be hard to see that given this artistic expression, but such is the case with designs that don’t have to conform to realistic forms.
Admittedly, the chair won’t be the most comfortable thing to sit on, but it isn’t meant to be a functional piece of minimalist furniture in the first place. It is, instead, meant to evoke emotions and thoughts, particularly in how products are designed these days. Mass production has forced many products to put functionality on a pedestal, something that is easier to come by with minimalist designs. While not exactly a bad thing, it has also caused a sharp decline in the appreciation and use of traditional crafts and designs, and the Kkoch-Galam chair is designed to go against that flow.
From using traditional Korean materials like lacquer and shell inlays to the elaborate details that espouse maximalism, this eccentric yet captivating chair tries to stop people in their tracks to stop and think. There is more than one way to design products, including chairs, and there is definitely room for both traditional crafts in contemporary design. And it’s that combination of old and new, chaotic and gentle, that this chair effectively represents.
They say everyone has a personal vibe, and this computer-powered musical instrument makes that audible.
There are some people who believe that the universe can more or less be distilled down to numbers. Everything is quantifiable, from the atoms that make up the known universe to the waves that delight some of our senses. We take for granted the many waves and vibrations that we rely on each day, and yet we also use metaphors above having a certain vibe or making waves all throughout our lives. Wouldn’t it be interesting if these waves could actually sync and take form? Seeing waves of light that dance to the music is probably nothing new, especially for those who have experienced the joys of light shows. This interactive exhibit, however, takes the concept in a different direction and creates an intersection of light, sound, and personal “vibes” to produce an interesting experience.
Designer: Pepe Santillán (José Carlos Ortiz Santillán)
Most people are probably familiar with how sound waves enable us to hear things, but few might actually associate light and colors with similar waves. The fact is that the difference in frequencies of light is what gives visible light the colors that we see and enjoy. Of course, we don’t see light as literal waves or vibrations, so there’s a big opportunity to come up with creative ways to express this kind of vibe.
“Que Onda,” which is Spanish for “What’s up,” is a device that turns colors into sound. But rather than do it the direct and rather boring way using sensors and a speaker, the machine takes its input from an almost unusual source. Playing on the metaphor of a person’s unique vibe emanating from their fashion choices, the computer-driven chime set translates colors from the clothes you’re wearing and translates them into musical notes.
The instrument scans a person standing in front of it and uses computer vision to analyze the light frequencies that are interpreted as colors on the person’s clothes. The colors are grouped into eight that correspond to the different notes in a musical octave. Hammers then hit the corresponding chimes to translate the
The length and frequency of each note depend on the pattern of the colors and their ratio to other colors. Even black and white colors can represent different notes, depending on the other colors around them or their brightness. Even the actual arrangement of the notes is randomized, so the same clothes on different people could still produce different harmonies.
There is, of course, no science behind quantifying these personal vibes into something visible or audible, but it’s still fun to imagine how each person’s apparel could produce different tunes. The designer says that the interactive art piece tries to invite people to reflect on the hidden numbers in our world, like the different waves and vibes that make our life enjoyable and special.
I was just thinking the other day how crazy it was that nobody had made a mobile ping-pong table; then today, I wake up and see this: Le vélo table de ping-pong, an art piece constructed by Benedetto Bufalino. It’s a ping-pong table built on a bicycle for ease of movement between games, or DURING games, although you’ll have to play around the bicyclist. Or just try to hit them in the head; it’s really up to you.
You may recall Benedetto’s previous work of turning a bus into a pool, or, if you’re anything like me, you may not even remember what you had for breakfast this morning, or even if you had breakfast this morning. At least I remembered to put pants on today. I’m chalking that up as a win.
Between Forrest Gump’s running ability and ping-pong skills, I would NOT challenge him to a game on this thing. He’d probably run circles around me, both figuratively and literally. I feel like challenging my nephew would be more of a fair contest because he isn’t that coordinated yet and can’t stand for long periods either.
Although not as personal as smartphones, some people consider their laptops and tablets as extensions of their person, revealing hints about their personal life just as much as their work life. Some deck their laptops with stickers that give a sneak peek into their lives, from the places they’ve visited, to the groups they have joined, and even to the causes they advocate. Some just fill the back of tablets and laptops with random designs that hint at their aesthetic tastes. But why risk ruining your laptop’s coating with adhesive when you can get an ASUS laptop that already comes pre-installed with artistic decals, especially from two of this age’s biggest names in the art field that are lending their brush to the Vivobook 13 Slate OLED.
For some people, the pristine surface of the back of a laptop or even a 2-in-1 tablet like the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate is like a blank canvas just begging for a splash of color and a jumble of lines. Not all of us are artistically inclined, however, and even fewer will know how to safely apply paints and other materials without actually damaging an electronic device. Thankfully, ASUS has done the hard work for us with Artist Editions of its 13.3-inch detachable laptop.
Steven Harrington’s cartoon style bends and curves, giving the composition a sense of dynamism and a pinch of whimsy. Bright pastel colors bring characters and objects to life, creating an almost psychedelic visual experience for observers. Imagine how interesting such an artwork would be on the back of this tablet slash laptop, especially considering how it will always be on display for everyone to see. It would be like staring at a mural or wall graffiti, except in a smaller form and just right across the table.
The Steven Harrington Edition doesn’t just stop at the Vivobook 13 Slate, though. Included in the package is a mouse that looks almost like a pebble with the same artwork painted on it. To make sure you don’t easily lose this one-of-a-kind accessory, that mouse even has a strap with the famed artist’s name painted on it. There’s also a sleeve for the detachable laptop that not only protects the device but also teases the unique piece of art that’s hidden inside.
Philip Colbert has been described as the crown prince of pop art and, perhaps more significantly, the “godson” of the renowned artist Andy Warhol. Those are pretty heavy titles that carry a lot of prestige as well as expectations, but the young artist seems to take it all in stride and even manages to inject a bit of fun into his masterpieces. Pretty much what you’d expect from an artist with an anthropomorphic lobster as an alter ego!
Colbert’s pop art is often filled with such animals, sometimes in odd poses or clothing. The addition of bright colors, patterns, and objects strewn in an almost disorganized manner makes his artworks look almost surreal as if taken straight from someone’s dreams. This is the kind of impression that Philip Colbert Edition of the Vivobook 13 Slate brings to the table, especially with its mix of materials, themes, and eggs. And yes, there are plenty of lobsters, too.
This Artist’s Edition is a bit more tactile, especially with an elastic rope that crisscrosses on the back of the device. While this edition does come with a mouse and a sleeve, the real highlight as far as accessories go is the lobster figurine. More than just a decorative desk piece, it is actually functional as well, holding a stylus up high when you’re not using it, ever-ready to put your next big idea on digital canvas when it arrives.
This isn’t ASUS’ first rodeo with making special edition computers that cater to artists, designers, and lovers of the arts, and these Artists Editions join the growing number of tech products that target these groups. Unfortunately, while these are indeed visual and even tactile treats, the computer underneath might not meet everyone’s expectations, especially the creatives that these products are targeting.
The Vivobook 13 Slate OLED beneath these pieces of art is powered by an Intel Pentium N6000, not exactly the most capable of Intel’s processors. There’s only 8GB of RAM inside, and you’re stuck with that for better or worse. The 13.3-inch OLED display might be large, but the 1920×1080 resolution is pretty basic, especially for those doing digital artwork on this kind of device. The Vivobook 13 Slate does aim for economy, with its $600 price tag, but an Artists Edition such as this would most likely have a higher asking price. No word on exact figures yet, though, but the two art-covered slates are expected to launch sometime this second quarter.
German artist Evelyn Bracklow paints tiny, realistic black ants on vintage porcelain, making the pieces appear to be crawling with the insects. Why exactly, I’m not sure, but they certainly make for an interesting conversation piece. Or my wife screaming we’ve got ants in the house and breaking a piece of expensive dinnerware with a thrown shoe.
Evelyn makes some of her pieces available for sale through her Etsy shop, but they’re not cheap. So if you fancy yourself an artist, you might want to consider buying some used dinnerware from the thrift store and try painting your own. That’s what I did, and let’s just say maybe Evelyn’s prices aren’t so unreasonable after all.
I love whimsical objects, and these certainly fit the bill. The hardest part is going to be convincing my wife to let me spend $360 on an antsy teapot when I don’t even drink tea. Now I’m not trying to sound too hoity-toity here, but I’ve always been more of a grape soda kind of guy.
Beautiful minimalist furniture and mesmerizing art installation in one, the Sisyphus Kinetic Art Table takes an innovative approach to introduce calmness and relaxation to any space using age-old Zen garden principles and the magic of technology.
We have seen and covered a wide range of tables over the past years, each of them evoking some kind of emotion. Some are begging to be utilized to their full extent, offering a space for books, cups, or even trinkets. Others look more like art pieces that you’d rather have displayed yet remain untouched. Coffee tables and side tables in the living area are often designed to blend harmoniously into people’s lives, but few make bold promises of inducing peace of mind. Even fewer can claim to have succeeded, and the Sisyphus Kinetic Art Table is perhaps the best exemplar of that.
Aesthetics
Even in its dormant, passive state, the Sisyphus Kinetic Art Site Table is already a calming presence in any space. The juxtaposition of metal and wood in the Walnut finish we were sent to review creates an earthy atmosphere that is often best associated with meditative practices. These materials also try to visually connect us to the dichotomy of nature itself, with the cold and dark metal base contrasting visually and thematically with the warmth of the wooden sides and ring of the table itself. The randomness of wood grains and color also gives the table a bit of a personality, with almost no two tables looking exactly the same.
The tempered glass top continues that theme of contrasting elements, evoking both feelings of clarity and, at the same time, uncertainty. Glass doesn’t always inspire confidence when it comes to durability, but Sisyphus’ meticulous manufacturing and testing processes ensure that it won’t be as fragile as your eyes might tell your brain. Of course, the glass isn’t merely decorative and serves as the window to the table’s main show.
Inside the wooden body of the Sisyphus side table, you will find a lot of sand. White sand, like the ones you might see on some beaches. Or more relevant to the topic, the kind of sand you might see in some Zen gardens, big and small alike. In essence, the figurative and literal soul of the Sisyphus is a miniature Japanese sand garden enclosed in a wooden basin and topped with clear glass that keeps the sand from ruining your furniture or carpet. But unlike a typical Zen garden where you’d use a fork or rake to create circles, a small metal ball rolls calmly across the white desert, leaving a trail of art in its wake. And unlike its mythological namesake, the Sisyphus table seemingly pushes this silver orb not to induce stress but to relieve it.
Ergonomics
It’s not easy to judge a product’s ergonomics if it’s not something you often handle often. A side table, especially one made from metal, wood, and glass, is definitely one of those. Unlike most furniture, however, the Sisyphus does require a few steps to prepare, like connecting the robot to your home network, and there will come a time when you actually need to maintain its electronic parts.
The Sisyphus table can’t be shipped with the sand already inside the table, of course, so you will have to add that yourself. Pouring the sand into the wooden basin might sound like an easy task, but you’re advised to do it slowly, which is probably an opportunity for meditative mindfulness. During shipping, some sand might have gathered together into bigger particles that you need to pulverize with your finger. You also wouldn’t want to accidentally spill sand around in your haste, anyway, especially before you cover it up with the tempered glass top.
All the electronics needed to make the table work are, fortunately, already pre-installed, from the RBGW LED lighting around the insides of the table to the circuit boards, motors, and magnets that make the ball move. The latter set is located directly underneath the wooden body, and all you need to do is to plug the power supply into the cord dangling out of one of the table’s legs. The mechanisms and electronics are completely exposed for easier access when you need to repair or change something in the software, making it easier to update the Sisbot in the future. Preparing and maintaining Sisyphus tables is definitely not like your typical table, even those with lighting or wireless charging built-in, but the initial effort is truly worth it once you get the ball rolling, literally and figuratively.
Performance
Calling the Sisyphus a Kinetic Art Table is almost like calling the Mona Lisa a drawing of a pretty lady. It’s technically correct, but it doesn’t exactly do it justice. The name simply indicates the nature of the masterpiece, utilizing motion to create a work of art. It doesn’t completely convey the almost magical way that art is created, nor the mental health benefits this kind of almost meditative art can offer.
Utilizing magnets, stepper motors, and small computers that include the popular Raspberry Pi, designer Bruce Shapiro created the Sisbot, the brains and the muscle beneath the art. The magnets move the ball across the sandbox, guided by special programs on the Sisbot and following patterns that were either pre-installed on the tiny computer or created by people. These patterns can range from repeating shapes, lines, and circles you’d often seen in mesmerizing tapestries to almost any line art you can think of. The RGBW LEDs also set the mood, creating a kaleidoscopic light show to captivate your guests or a simplistic warm glow to soothe your eyes.
Sisyphus takes the drudgery out of using the technology behind the table. The company designed it in a way that using the mobile app is like using a music player. Each complete pattern is called a “track,” and you add these to a playlist that the Sisbot will then run in sequence. Instead of creating music, the Sisyphus table creates a visual performance meant to mesmerize you with the smooth movement of a shiny metal ball over white sand, helping put your mind in a more meditative state.
Unlike a typical music player, you’re not confined to a small set of tracks to play on your Kinetic Art Table. The mobile app gives instant access to more than 1,000 designs created by other Sisyphus table owners, and that collection continually grows as more people add their creativity and ideas to the community repository. In fact, you can do that as well and design your own paths for the metal ball to follow and then share them with other Sisyphus fans to spread the love.
A metal ball rolling on sand isn’t going to be completely quiet, but the Sisyphus table manages to keep it to a minimum. Rather than trying to eradicate it completely, however, it turns the soft “crunching” sound into something that’s part of the overall experience. Just like the rustling of leaves, the drop of rain, or the rhythmic tapping of a Japanese water fountain, the Sisyphus Kinetic Art Table also engages the ears to immerse the viewer in a Zen-like trance even further.
The Sisyphus table almost looks like it works using magic, but all that magic is hidden in what some might even consider as unremarkable technologies. The table requires a connection to a home network to work, and while Wi-Fi is preferred, there is also an option for wired Ethernet cabling. Even if you go wireless, though, you’ll still need to plug the table into a wall socket, though its actual power use is very minimal at 5 to 25 watts, depending on how active it is.
Sustainability
Many designers and furniture makers these days have become more painfully aware of the critical role they play in making the world a better place. Many have switched to more responsible processes and more sustainable materials that can help heal the planet little by little. Except for the circuit boards, the Sisyphus Kinetic Art Table is made in the US, which also helps reduce the carbon footprint when shipping to customers within the country. At first glance, the Sisyphus Metal Side Table looks like a good citizen in this regard, but its score is far from perfect. The use of metal, wood, and glass definitely helps it score points, but the devil, as they say, is in the details.
Sisyphus’ decision to powder-coat the metal base rather than paint them goes towards reducing the use of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. However, the company doesn’t mention the type of lacquer it uses to repeatedly spray the wooden tables. Depending on the makeup of the lacquer, it could end up as a red mark on Sisyphus’ report card.
And then there’s the presence of electronics and some plastics, always bad signs when it comes to sustainability, especially off-the-shelf ones that aren’t made with more eco-friendly materials or substances. One thing that goes in Sisyphus’ favor is that it designed these tables to last a long, long time and sells replacement parts when they break. Sadly, it doesn’t offer any guidance on recycling these parts that will eventually end up in landfills.
Value
The Sisyphus Kinetic Art Metal Side Table is not an inexpensive piece of furniture, especially if you go for the wooden Cherry or Walnut finishes. Even for a piece of designer furniture, it might look a tad too pricey for a 22-inch high side. Then again, the Sisyphus also does what no other side table can.
While there are plenty of side tables with minimalist designs, some even have designs that utilize artistic patterns to create artful visuals. All of these, however, have fixed designs that do not grow along with their owners’ tastes and needs. In contrast, the Sisyphus doesn’t simply offer a Kinetic Art installation at your home; it lets owners define their own experiences, allowing their creativity to flow inside the table, drawn on fine sand by a seemingly magical metal ball.
Is it worth $1,600? That’s definitely a “yes” and not just because the table is built to last. Its capabilities go beyond the initial set that its designer has created for it. Those capabilities can grow even more with software updates that won’t require buying anything new, except perhaps for an extra microSD card.
Verdict
Some homeowners want their furniture to reflect their individuality. Others prefer more minimalist designs that invite an atmosphere of calm into their homes. The Sisyphus Kinetic Art Metal Side Table caters to both groups and does so in an almost magical way with nothing but sand and a rolling metal ball. If you ever need to plop down on the sofa and have a relaxing cup of tea, the Sisyphus offers a soothing distraction that is both mesmerizing and entertaining, especially if you have guests to impress.
Some interested buyers might balk at the price tag, but it’s pretty much like investing in a piece of furniture and an art installation in one. The availability of replacement parts and upgradeable software means that this table won’t be running out of tricks any time soon.
NFTs are meant to be shown off like the overpriced art pieces that they are, so this concept tries to do so in a way that is also useful, even if you don’t have any NFTs to your name.
NFTs, short for the almost indecipherable “non-fungible tokens,” are currently controversial within the art and designer communities. Setting those debates aside, these digital artifacts have always been envisioned to create an experience similar to owning an exclusive piece of art. That, of course, means that it comes with some sort of bragging right that goes beyond just saying you own an NFT. You have to flaunt it as well, and what better way to do that than by putting it on a pedestal along with your other tokens of wealth or affluence, like jewelry, watches, and even rare toys.
Designers: Jiwon Seo, Juwon Kim, Hannah Kim, Anna Kim
At its most basic, an NFT is proof of ownership of an exclusive, one-of-a-kind, or limited edition digital artifact, which often means a piece of digital art or a virtual equivalent of a physical object. This makes NFTs more appropriate to be displayed in ways that other people can see them as proof and boast of ownership. There have been a few concepts created in the past years on how NFTs should be displayed, ranging from futuristic holographic cubes to wall panels mimicking physical framed art.
The Meta’O concept stands somewhere in between, envisioning something that is both obviously technological but can also be at home in the living room, sort of like a smart speaker today. It actually comes in two independent parts, both of which are made from unpainted recycled materials. This gives the object a unique visual identity while also affording a sense of relief that there won’t be any paint that will peel off over time.
The part that actually displays an NFT is a circular screen that sits on top of a magnetic ball. On its own, it can safely sit on a flat surface without rolling off. Nested inside the tray, however, the ball allows the owner to position the screen at any angle while also being charged wirelessly.
That tray is imagined to be a place for other proofs of your social status. Your NFT can be displayed alongside your gold-plated watch and bracelets, or the entire tray can be filled with other trinkets on top. This dual-purpose design would allow the owner to save up on space or display trays and have more money to spend on buying more NFTs.
Paper art is definitely becoming more appealing these days. In recent months, we showed you some of the most interesting paper creations shared by different artists. And no, we’re not stopping anytime soon.
Using paper as the primary medium proves the innate creativity of a person. One doesn’t have to be a professional artist as one only needs to be interested or follow instructions. If you’re not a natural-born artist, you can spend time learning and discovering what kind of art you can make. Origami is one easy suggestion, but you can try paper sculptures when you want more challenges.
See Cecilia Levy’s paper art as she comes up with beautiful paper sculptures made from ordinary, everyday items such as old book pages. Levy uses papier maché techniques and wheat starch paste plus paper to turn old paper into anything.
Cecilia Levy has created sculptural objects in paper-like shoes, boots, teacups, and flowers. She believes in saving old books and preserving nature by art. This Swedish artist used to be a bookbinder and a graphic designer but she has since made a name for her paper creations. Her paper art has been displayed in distinguished exhibitions like the Swedish National Museum.
One notable installation by Levy was her In Fusion – Contemplation Pieces revealed in 2017 at the Stockholms New Karolinska University Hospital NKS. It was a public art commission that featured more than 25 unique paper sculptures on plinths. These days, her work is up for sale at the Konsthantverkarna Stockholm.
Cecilia Levy’s works present a nostalgic look, whether larger installations or smaller sculptures. You look at her creations, and you will be taken back in time. Levy loves vintage books and she likes to preserve the past in her designs. She applies different methods like tearing, cutting, and shredding. She then merges the paper using molds, paste, and papier maché.
Intricate patterns and blocks of texts characterize her sculptures. You may be interested in reading the words and phrases on every creation as Cecilia carefully chooses what to use. The artist is meticulous as she wants to preserve those visible traces from the passage of time.
Check out some of Cecilia Levy’s most influential paper sculptures included in the public art commission in Stockholm, Sweden. Her In Fusion – Contemplation pieces include Medicinal Plants, Tea Sets, and Insects.
See this pair of shoes that come with a scalloped design. The soles of the shoes feature readable words and paper shoelaces. She used wheat paste and book pages to complete the creation.
Levy’s selection of cups, bowls, and tea sets will make you wish they’re real ceramic sets you can use. Perhaps the artist can lend the designs to real plate manufacturers. They’re too pretty to remain as decorative pieces.
Cecilia Levy also has a collection of Mary Janes. The several pairs of doll shoes in different designs tell us about the artist’s passion for this style. Perhaps this is her favorite, but the shoes make for a lovely art collection even if it isn’t.
The artist also has a collection of paper thistles. We’re assuming she applied the same technique on the Hobo boots. Cecilia Levy has more paper sculptures we haven’t seen. We’ll watch out for her future releases, like her HOMO FABER exhibition next month in Italy.
For those who love to travel, the past couple of years has been pretty tough. We could only rely on photos and videos from past trips to get us through. The good news is that things have begun to open up again and it’s now time for what some have been calling “revenge travel”. So as you travel and in case you want to keep a souvenir of your favorite city at home, you can now do so with this unique frame and decoration.
The Cityframes lets you collect your favorite cityscapes and place them on your wall to become part of your living room or bedroom decor. If you want something a bit grander, you can also have it on a special table like those you see in museums and exhibits. The designs are based on “high-quality hand-processed 3D data” which means it’s not just an interpretation of the cityscape but an actual rendering of that specific city or place.
This German start-up offers three kinds of different decoration options. You can choose to have the CITYFRAME on your wall. If you want something more compact and portable, you can choose the CITYCUBE which they describe as “compact, tiny, and so adorable” and based on the photos, it really is. The CITYWALL is a bigger and grander version of your favorite city which you can have mounted on your wall or placed on a special table in your living room or office.
What makes Cityframes even better is that they use sustainable materials to re-create these cityscapes. Materials are made from 100% biodegradable plastic created from natural corn starch. Even for their production and office facilities, they use green electricity. They try to avoid plastic in their packaging and are also particular about using carbon-neutral shipping. We always give plus points to businesses that are conscious about their products’ effects on the environment and carbon footprints.
They also said that the materials are easy to clean and are even UV resistant. It has a matte, plaster-like surface finish with visible water cutouts. For the frame, you get a solid black painted wood texture. The wall mounting brackets are already included when you purchase the frames. Currently, they have 75 areas in 50 cities from 25 countries and within 5 continents. If there are places that you’d want them to create, they can recreate it, but probably with a bit of extra cost.
The minimalist 3D design may not be to my personal taste, but I’m pretty sure a lot of people would love to have these models up on their walls. You will have to spend a bit more of course to have these beauties especially if you’re outside of Europe.
See Cecilia Levy’s paper art as she comes up with beautiful paper sculptures made from ordinary, everyday items such as old book pages. Levy uses papier maché techniques and wheat starch paste plus paper to turn old paper into anything.
