# Quirky Modern Totems Axel Brechensbauer is Influenced by Our Relationship With Nature By Meghan Young | Published 2011-09-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/axel-brechensbauer References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664787/stunning-modern-totems-strive-to-be-ultimate-object) & [mynameisaxel](http://www.mynameisaxel.com/) The work of [Barcelona](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bridges-collection)-based artist [Axel Brechensbauer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lou-tiny-house) is a modern version of the ancient totem art form, although many might not see the similarities at first. Each stunningly [surreal sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) has a quirkiness that will appeal to contemporary consumers. Axel Brechensbauer isn’t, however, concerned with being quirky. Instead, his work is “influenced by our relation with nature and our obsession to be different from her,” as he puts it. He achieves this through colorful, geometric shapes that take both familiar and abstract forms. It is through these odd forms that Axel Brechensbauer shows “how we believe that our intellect is better than evolution.” These whimsical pieces of art are quite different from Axel Brechensbauer’s previous work as a product designer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Surreal Sculptures:** The trend of surreal sculptures presents disruptive innovation opportunities in art and design industries, allowing for unconventional and thought-provoking creations. - **Quirky Contemporary Art:** The trend of quirky contemporary art opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the art market, offering unique and unconventional pieces that appeal to modern consumers. - **Nature-inspired Creations:** The trend of nature-inspired creations creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the creative industry, encouraging artists to explore our relationship with nature and challenge societal norms. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry can tap into the trend of surreal sculptures and quirky contemporary art to attract new audiences and experiment with unconventional artistic expressions. - **Design:** The design industry can embrace the trend of surreal sculptures to create innovative and visually stimulating products that challenge traditional design aesthetics. - **Creativity:** The creativity industry can explore the trend of nature-inspired creations to foster unconventional thinking and encourage artists to push boundaries in their work. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Geometric Wooden Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aleph-geddis.md) - [Modern Totem-Like Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totemlike-vases.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Futuristic Totemic Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-relics.md) - [Outdoor Floral Sculpture Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptures-at-kew-gardens.md)