Design

May 27, 2019

Artist Transforms Everyday Objects into Poetically Humorous Works of Art

Amsterdam-based artist Bas van Wieringen takes ordinary objects and strips them of their core meanings to create surreal, thought-provoking sculptures. For his series, Everything is Something, Nothing is Something too, he cleverly distorts reality by turning mundane items—such as plug sockets, spirit levels, pencils, and nails—into intriguing works of art. “A paradox shows reality in its most pure form. It loosens what is stuck.

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May 22, 2019

Novel Purses Let You Bring Beautiful Books with You Wherever You Go

You're not supposed to judge a book by its cover—but what about a purse? Illustrating that beautiful bindings are always in style, Elena Myloslavskaya of BAGatelle Studio crafts eye-catching clutches masquerading as charming editions of classic literature. Each of BAGatelle Studio's book bags offers a fresh take on an old masterwork, like The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote.

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May 16, 2019

Incredible Optical Illusion Bookstore Looks Like a Real-Life M.C. Escher Painting

Shanghai-based architectural design firm X+Living has once again made waves with a stunning bookstore interior. By relying on optical illusions, they've transformed the Zhongshuge Bookstore in Chongqing into a mind-bending environment straight from the movie Inception. Using mirrors and staircases, the “ladder hall” is a reflective maze that cleverly houses bookcases in the steps. As visitors move about the space, they are brought into a surreal, never-ending adventure created by the optical illusion.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.