# Tied Elastic Exhibits The Martha Friedman 'Rubbers' Installation Explores Household Items By Leslie Chen | Published 2012-01-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martha-friedman-rubbers References: [collabcubed](http://collabcubed.com/2012/01/10/martha-friedman-rubbers/) & [wallspacegallery](http://wallspacegallery.com/artists.html?id=2,9) Rubber bands are usually seen as offhand items used to hold something together, but the Martha Friedman 'Rubbers' exhibition has found a whole new way of looking at the handy elastic item. Martha Friedman is originally from Detroit but currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. She chose to use rubber bands in her newest exhibit because she's "interested in locating the point at which common objects slip into abstraction and, in some instances, eroticism," according to collacubed.com. The [Martha Friedman Rubbers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martha-stewart-x-haciman) exhibit uses a funky variety of [gigantic colored elastic bands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-world-sharp-edges) which are then tied together in knots. Take a look at the pieces of artwork from the Martha Friedman Rubbers installation to see how creative the most simple household items can be. **Implications** - Modern shoppers look for artwork that strays away from the norm. Companies could focus on [unconventional designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-miami-2024) in order to increase their popularity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Unconventional Artwork:** Opportunity for companies to create artwork that strays away from the norm and appeals to modern shoppers. - **Creative Use of Household Items:** Opportunity to explore new ways of using common household items in artistic installations, sparking creativity and interest. - **Abstraction and Eroticism in Art:** Potential to push the boundaries of art by exploring the intersection of common objects, abstraction, and eroticism. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create unique and unconventional artwork that captivates modern consumers. - **Home Decor:** Opportunity to incorporate creative uses of household items into home decor products, providing customers with unique and intriguing designs. - **Art Galleries and Exhibitions:** Potential for galleries and exhibitions to showcase unconventional art that pushes boundaries, attracting diverse audiences and sparking conversations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Breathtaking Woven Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woven-installation.md) - [Brick-Centric Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-collection.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Performance Art Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-pop.md) - [Dynamic Joint Furniture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/please-sit-for-the-alternate-ending.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md) - [Bungee Cord Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tcord-chair.md) - [Minimalist Experimental Egg Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experimental-egg-racks.md) - [Structured Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flowchart.md)