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Bizarre Hardware Sculptures

Andy Ralph Transforms Everyday Objects into Witty Works of Art

— January 23, 2013 — Art & Design
Art can be crafted from just about anything and Andy Ralph puts that belief to the test with his unique and bizarre sculptures. Using materials found at local hardware stores or even littered around domestic locations, Andy Ralph transforms everyday objects into "works of unparalleled visual wit," as It's Nice That so perfectly puts it.

"Straddl[ing] the line between function and fiction, subjectivity and banality," as written on his website, Andy Ralph puts his imagination on display through his artworks. For instance, with Trash Clan, he has given birth to an extraordinary mob of overturned dustbins hilariously attempting to right themselves. Zenofence, on the other hand, is much more stoic. Andy Ralph stacked picket fences in a public installation to thoughtfully explore the way we carve up the urban landscape.
Trend Themes
1. Hardware Sculpture Art - The integration of industrial objects to create highly imaginative sculptures presents a unique opportunity for artists to disrupt the art world with new forms of art.
2. Upcycling - Transforming everyday items into art can be turned into a sustainable business model that helps reduce waste and carbon footprint while creating new forms of art.
3. Functional Art - The creation of functional art that blends creativity with practicality can present new avenues of innovation in the art and design industry.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Andy Ralph's work represents a new form of art that can disrupt the traditional art industry by introducing unconventional forms of artwork.
2. Hardware Stores - Hardware stores can tap into the artistic market by offering materials that artists can utilize to create art, thereby creating a new revenue stream.
3. Urban Planning - The integration of functional art in public installations to explore and comment on urban space and planning presents an opportunity for urban planners and designers to collaborate with artists.
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