Your initial response to a new piece of gum would probably be to pop it in your mouth and chew it - Jérémy Laffon, on the other hand, sees the tiny breath freshener as an inspiring tool for design.
The artist uses gum to create amazing intricate structures which challenge and experiment with "the integrity of gum as a sculpting material," according to online magazine Feel Desain. Jérémy Laffon's designs include strong and sturdy structures as well as those that reveal gum's weaknesses as a building block, purposely applying heat "to compromise the structure’s strength, allowing it to slump over." He also experiments with artwork using gum on the floor, playing with the idea that it's quite impossible not to get some of it stuck under your shoe.
Intricate Gum Structures
Jérémy Laffon Experiments with the Breath Freshener as a Design
Trend Themes
1. Gum-based Sculpture - Artists and designers are pushing the limits of gum as a sculpting material, presenting opportunities for gum and art-related industries to work together towards creating new consumer products and experiences.
2. Functional Gum Design - Designers are exploring the functionality of gum beyond breath freshening, opening opportunities for gum manufacturers to enhance their product offerings with innovative designs that add value and create unique consumer experiences.
3. Gum Art Installations - Gum is being used as a unique medium for art installations, offering opportunities for the art and event industries to collaborate in creating memorable experiences that engage all the senses.
Industry Implications
1. Gum Manufacturing - Gum manufacturers can leverage the trend of gum-based sculpture and functional gum design to create innovative gum products that cater to evolving consumer demands and expectations, and differentiate themselves from competitors in the industry.
2. Art - Artists and art-related industries can explore the potential of gum as a new and unconventional medium for art and installation pieces that appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional art circles and museums.
3. Event Planning - Event planners and organizers can incorporate gum art installations into their events, creating new immersive and sensory experiences for attendees that spark conversation and engagement.