Inspired by the shapes in the Chinese tangram game, artist Sjef van Gaalen developed the 'TANGRAMMAR' series, simplifying animals, elements from nature, objects and characters into basic geometric forms. Using squares, parallelograms and triangles, it's amazing that the essence of a peacock, fox, chicken or a horse can be communicated so effectively. Although there's some abstraction going on, the animals are still fairly recognizable, since there are a number of familiar textures that are used.
The shapes that make up people like the Queen in the TANGRAMMAR series are stacked one on top of another and even resemble chess pieces.
The TANGRAMMAR prints are presented as single posters and Sjef van Gaalen has made each available as prints, mugs totes and phone case designs on Society6.
Animalistic Tangram Art
TANGRAMMAR by Sjef Van Gaalen Simplifies Animals and Nature
Trend Themes
1. Geometric Minimalism - The trend towards simplifying complex things into basic geometric shapes offers opportunities for artists and designers to create new minimalist aesthetics.
2. Abstraction - Abstracting familiar things using geometric patterns or shapes is a growing trend in the design industry and offers possibilities for innovative interpretations.
3. Animalistic Art - Animal-inspired art is becoming increasingly popular, and the use of geometric shapes and patterns to create animalistic art presents innovative opportunities for artists.
Industry Implications
1. Home Decor - The use of animal-inspired geometric shapes in home decor offers new products and design possibilities for home decor companies and designers.
2. Graphic Design - Abstraction using geometric shapes in graphic design provides opportunities for designers to create new minimalist and clean design aesthetics.
3. Fashion Design - The trend towards abstracting familiar things into simpler geometric shapes offers new possibilities for fashion designers to incorporate animalistic patterns and shapes into clothing designs.