# Ineffectual Decorative Equipment Belgian Marbles Surfboards are for the Intellectual Wave-Rider By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-08-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belgian-marbles-surfboards References: [remodelista](http://remodelista.com/posts/sculpture-for-the-urban-surfer) & [campolipresti](http://www.campolipresti.com/reena-spaulings-@/artists.html?artist=12&page=images) These [Belgian Marbles Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/undrinkable-pints) serve a different purpose to that of the genuine boards you see decorating ocean-side restaurants and beach houses. These are not functional objects and they never have been -- in terms of use as actual sporting equipment anyway. Finely cut and smoothed by the international artist collective Reena Spaulings, these [exquisite sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lithic-bloom) feature the organic aesthetic beauty of Rosa Portogallo and Portoro stones. Veins, cracks and areas of discoloration give the ebony and the eggshell pieces a textural richness, complemented by the gentle curves of their contours. The Belgian Marbles Surfboards lean gracefully against the walls of the [Roman Indipendenza Studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Newcastle-University) gallery and in the makers' own exhibition spaces. They cannot be used for the wave-riding activity they represent, but they make beautiful ornamental pieces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Decorative Surfboard Sculptures:** Opportunity for artists to create unique and beautiful surfboard sculptures that serve as decorative pieces. - **Organic Aesthetic Beauty:** An opportunity to incorporate natural, organic elements into decorative items for a unique and visually appealing aesthetic. - **Functional Vs Ornamental:** Exploration of the boundary between functional and ornamental objects, creating unique and thought-provoking pieces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists can explore the creation of decorative surfboard sculptures and incorporate organic elements into their designs. - **Home Decor:** Decorative items that blur the line between function and ornamentation can offer new and visually interesting options for home decor. - **Gallery and Exhibition:** Makers and artists can showcase unique surfboard sculptures in galleries and exhibitions, offering art enthusiasts a new perspective on surfboard aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxurious Wooden Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxurious-wooden-surfboard.md) - [Sculptural Marble Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-frammenti.md) - [Collaborative Sculptural Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme.md) - [Warm-Toned Marble Coasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusine-coasters.md) - [Marble Fragment Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miscellaneous-side-table.md) - [Broken-Aesthetic Sculpture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brokenaesthetic-sculpture-collection.md) - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [Statuesque Marble Coffee Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mawe-low-coffee-table.md) - [Stone Offcut Decor Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvatori-precioso.md)