Nanan Creates Figures Out of Lamps in His Urban Lights Series
Susan Keefe — November 7, 2011 — Art & Design
References: cargocollective & zeutch
French artist Nanan conjures up feelings of pity with his latest series entitled Urban Lights. Utilizing pieces of discarded lamps, Nanan creates adorable, endearing figures that hold a sombre vigil in areas of distressed urban landscape. The figures themselves look a little worse for wear, as the creatures are adorned with grease, dirt and dings.
Reminiscent of the unbearably cute robot Wall-E, these Urban Lights creatures seem to hold a similar place in the world as the Pixar character. Nanan’s shooting locations appear post-apocalyptic, the stance of his creatures suggests mourning and the absence of any human presence suggests these little guys may just be all that is left of the world. Nanan successfully injects these inanimate electronic objects with a quiet emotionality. They do not merely seem sad, the emotions they express are much more complex than that.
Pitiable and hopelessly endearing, these glowing creatures leave the viewer with a heavy unexplained melancholy.
Reminiscent of the unbearably cute robot Wall-E, these Urban Lights creatures seem to hold a similar place in the world as the Pixar character. Nanan’s shooting locations appear post-apocalyptic, the stance of his creatures suggests mourning and the absence of any human presence suggests these little guys may just be all that is left of the world. Nanan successfully injects these inanimate electronic objects with a quiet emotionality. They do not merely seem sad, the emotions they express are much more complex than that.
Pitiable and hopelessly endearing, these glowing creatures leave the viewer with a heavy unexplained melancholy.
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Art - Incorporate discarded materials into art to create unique, emotional pieces.
2. Emotive Design - Design products that evoke complex emotions in consumers, beyond just looks or function.
3. Post-apocalyptic Aesthetics - Explore the visual appeal of urban decay and dystopian themes in art and design.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Collaborate with artists to integrate emotional, thought-provoking pieces into spaces or products.
2. Lighting - Develop eco-friendly lighting products with upcycled materials to appeal to socially conscious consumers.
3. Interior Design - Incorporate upcycled pieces and designs that illicit a range of emotions to create thought-provoking spaces.
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